COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dawn Jackson, Library Director
DATE: April 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Proclamation Proclaiming April 19 through 25, 2026, as “ National Library Week”
The City Council will p resent a Proclamatio n proclaiming April 19 through 25, 2026, as National Library Week in the City of Santa Maria.
BACKGROUND:
National Library Week was created in 1958 as a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country to celebrate the contributions of libraries and Librarians to their communities. At the time, research showed people were spending less time on books and more time on radios and television, which prompted the formation of the National Book Committe e. The goals of the Committee were to encourage people to read, improve incomes and health, and develop a strong and happy family life. The ALA assumed full sponsorship of National Library Week in 1974 to recognize the efforts of libraries and Librarians to meet the needs of the diverse communities they serve.
The Santa Maria Public Library (Library) is committed to upholding the values of National Library Week and encourages community members to take advantage of the Library’s varied collection of print a nd electronic material, specially curated programming to meet community needs, and free services to support early literacy skills and continuing educational support. The Library is committed to continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of the community, provide meaningful services, and improve the quality of life for all community members.
DISCUSSION:
The Library is celebrating National Library Week, April 19 through 25, 2026, by bringing awareness to the creative ways in which libraries connect wi th patrons and help patrons connect with each other through programming, digital materials access, and service throughout the community at outreaches, and bookmobile stops. These measures uphold the Library’s goal to extend its services beyond the physical building, promote literacy, and connect community members with Library resources.
The Santa Maria Public Library is celebrating National Library Week’s theme of “Find Your Joy!” by hosting programs such as Mad Scientist Club, Music and Movement, Flirty 2 Fiction Book Club, Makerspace, Paws to Read, Passport Pals and more! In addition to printed materials, patrons can use the Library of Things collection to embrace their curiosity and find joy through learning a new skill or exploring a new hobby. The Library’s website is an excellent resource for the public to connect with the Library and its staff. By embracing technology and remaining up to date with current trends, the Library strives to draw in new patrons who aren’t aware of the wide variety of service s offered in today’s libraries.
Proclamation Requested by: Dawn Jackson, Library Director
Attachment(s): Proclamation