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Nowadays, “shhhh,” is a sound that you’ll rarely hear at the library — at least at the San Mateo County Libraries. For National Library Week, local librarians want the community to know that aside from books, libraries are a community hub that fosters engagement and socialization.
“There’s a lot of buzz and activity that’s happening in the libraries,” said Katie Woods, communications and marketing manager at San Mateo County Libraries. “You can feel the synergy when you’re walking in ….”
Over the years, Peninsula libraries have evolved to meet ever-changing community needs and trends, and to offer resources to support the local people. The San Mateo County Libraries recently released its strategic plan for 2025- 2030, outlining goals and initiatives for community outreach, community-focused programming and providing flexible spaces.
According to Woods, the plan involved community focus groups and surveys to gauge needs and ensure that the services and resources the libraries offer match with the community.
Woods added that focus group participants described the library as their second home and living room space. People are making friends, enjoying community activities, playing music and participating in social programs, she said.
“(Libraries) are not quiet and stale. They are energy-driven,” said Woods.
Throughout its 13 locations, the county libraries are encouraging culturally relevant, community-oriented and intergenerational events. The library’s event schedule is packed with different activities held every day including Lego club, drop-in tech help, storytimes, basic sewing tutorials and salsa dancing.
The San Mateo County Libraries recently introduced field trips for individuals 55 years and older. At no cost, senior residents can venture to locations such as Filoli in Woodside, Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito and Pie Ranch in Pescadero. This is another way that libraries are offering unique experiences that maybe wouldn’t be accessible if it were not offered by the libraries, said Woods.
For those who may mind the noise, Woods ensured that library locations also have private rooms that community members can reserve for meetings or a quieter space to focus on their studies.
“We’re trying to have that balancing act of making sure that people can have a place where they can come together, socialize and make important connections so we’re not going through life in an isolated state,” she added.
In addition to books, the Library of Things offers various items to be borrowed such as karaoke machines, hiking equipment, GoPro cameras, bicycles and blood pressure monitors.
Some locations also have a makerspace where the community can access 3D printers, sewing machines and laser cutters. The goal for providing these spaces is to allow individuals to gain technology skills that they can utilize in different careers.
In order to provide these various programs, library staff have to play many different roles. Outside of regular librarian duties, some also serve as the community technology specialist to help patrons during 3D printing workshops or coding activities.
“One of the things I love the most when I go into our libraries is seeing the heartfelt connections that our staff have with our patrons,” said Woods. “They know each other by first name basis and they know each other’s kids by their names.”
Every new addition to the San Mateo County Libraries is grown from staff and community feedback, she added.
To kick off National Library Week, the library will be hosting its first Library Night with the San Francisco Giants at China Basin Park in San Francisco located outside of Oracle Park. The event will feature giveaways, Giants-themed library cards, 3D printing demos and a reading garden.
For more information on daily events and activities hosted by the San Mateo County Libraries visit smcl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events.
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