Our community library is one of the best resources we have. It serves as an education center for our youth, a cultural center for our communities and a clearinghouse for vital community services from pre-schoolers to adult literacy programs. As chair of the San Mateo County Joint Powers Authority Library Board, I want to share with you some of the things your library provides to the community.
Early literacy program through Raising a Reader brings books and book bags to preschool locations throughout the county, encouraging children to take books home and read with their parents. What parent can resist the request of a three year old to read them a bedtime story?
Preschool and baby story time is held in a number of libraries around the county. Story time for children ages 5-10 is held on a weekly basis (sometimes twice a week) in most library locations.
Selected libraries in cooperation with the Friends of the Library sponsor special activity such as a Harry Potter Party or a Hogwarts Halloween.
For the older youth there are homework centers and free tutoring at selected sites. The library also receives grant funding to pursue their Quest program, targeting youth and teens in literacy. These programs are not always held at the library, but are frequently brought to other locations such as the YMCA, the Girl?s Club and Girl Scouts. Special literacy programs pairing teens and their parents in English language are also successful.
I am particularly proud of the adult literacy program the library sponsors. Can you imagine going through life as an adult without the ability to read a book, a contract or understand a bank statement? Adult literacy is at times hard to address because adults are embarrassed by their lack of reading skills. But, if an adult cannot read, not only are they missing out on part of the richness of society, but they also cannot encourage or inspire their children or young people to read.
Computer access for research as well as for schoolwork is available in almost every library.
This summer, three libraries created a Steinbeck reading focus celebrating the 100th birthday of the author and holding public readings of excerpts from the Grapes of Wrath. Some libraries invite guest lecturers to talk about writing, travel or new books. Various libraries have expanded collections in Spanish, Chinese and Russian. We are truly a melting pot of cultures and the services our libraries offer serve our community from the preschooler to mature adult.
Much of this programming would not take place without the support of the Friends of the Library. The current budget crisis within the State is real and libraries will continue to lose funding (we already lose 2 million a year due to ERAF, anticipate additional cuts to our budget from the Public Library Fund of $300,000 and the Governor is not done yet).
Public support is more important than ever. I would ask you to consider doing three things:
1) Write the Governor and tell him that he needs to protect library funding in the upcoming budget;
2) Join the Friends of the Library in your City and help them to continue to provide the library with volunteers and funding for special programs; and
3) Volunteer your time to help with any number of these programs outlined above.
Do not forget to check out the new Library website at www.smcl.org. It allows you to review collections, access services, even reserve a book. Our libraries are truly a treasure of our community. I can be reached with questions or comments at dwilder@fostercity.org.
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