HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-02-17 e-packet@6:00RESOLUTION NO.
CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC
LIBRARY STRATEGIC PLAN FOR YEARS 2016-2020
WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco (“City”) has prepared a South San Francisco
Public Library Strategic Plan (“Strategic Plan”), which evaluates existing library facilities, services,
and collections and identifies goals and recommendations for improving and expanding library
services to meet developing community needs; and
WHEREAS, over 1,000 community members participated in the preparation of the Strategic
Plan through open forums, individual interviews, focused conversations, and community outreach;
and
WHEREAS, a market segmentation study was conducted to gather demographic information
on the South San Francisco community; and
WHEREAS, the Strategic Plan provides the Library Department with a direction for planning
services, collections, programs, and a new facility based on market research and community input;
and
WHEREAS, the Library Board of Trustees participated in the Strategic Plan process and held
a properly noticed Library Board Meeting on January 26, 2016, during which they considered and
evaluated the Strategic Plan and agreed by consensus to present the Strategic Plan to City Council
for adoption.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of South San
Francisco that the City Council hereby adopts the South San Francisco Public Library Strategic Plan
for the years 2016-2020.
* * * * *
I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was regularly introduced and adopted by the
City Council of the City of South San Francisco at a special meeting held on the 17th day of
February, 2016 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
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ABSENT:
ATTEST:
City Clerk
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Acknowledgements
South San Francisco Public Library Board of Trustees and Library Director
Pat
FitzPatrick
President
Diane
Huddleston
Vice President
Cisca
Hansen
Secretary
Valerie
Lambertson
Member
Robert
Turnberg
Member
Valerie
Sommer
Director
South San Francisco City Council and Elected Officials
Frank Risso
City Treasurer
Krista Martinelli
City Clerk
Liza Normandy
Councilmember
Karyl Matsumoto
Councilmember
Rich Garbarino
Councilmember
Pradeep Gupta
Vice-Mayor
Mark Addiego
Mayor
Strategic Planning Team Members
Angela Bernal Silva, Anissa Malady, Carol Simmons, Diane Huddleston, Greg Mediati, Hilda Barradas, Jolene
Malfatti, Judy Bush (SSFUSD Board of Trustees), Karla Molina Bourdon, Krista Martinelli, Leslie Arroyo,
Pat FitzPatrick, Ray Yoschak, Valerie Sommer, Veronica Ortiz
Abbie McGreevy - Adam Elsholz - Adan Fletes - Adrian Mendiola - Alex Greenwood - Angela Stoddard -
Angelica Reynoso - Anita Palafox - Anne Senores - Anthony Estrada, Jr. - Barbara Pereira - Belinda Ramirez -
Bernice Rego - Bertina Marcelo - Blessy Valera - Brian Malibiran - Brian McMinn - Carroll Meek - Chano Ibarra
- Charles Stewart - Chris Ramos - Connie Thayer - Carolanna Lance-White - Cynthia Velez - Darlene Wehner -
Delia Ramos - Delia Vieyra - Denise Fernekes - Devin Morse - Devin Stenhouse - Diana Castro - Diana Lujan -
Diane Ingalls - Elaine Lovett - Eldie Gonzalez - Eleanor Breite - Ellen D. Smith - Fernando Cordova -
Frank McAuley - Frank Risso - Gail Davison - Gene Mullin - Gerald Kohlman - Ginny Tilton - Griselda Diaz -
Guadalupe Zaragoza - Jackie Kious - Jason Li - Jay Spaulding - Jean Graham - Jeannette Acosta -
Jeannette Holt - Jenni Frencham - Jim Steele - Jon Valle - Justine Buenaflor - Kara Wheeler -
Karen Paula Arbues - Katie Donner - Kay Yoong - Kenny Martin - Keta Williams -
Kiwanis Club of South San Francisco - Kristy Camacho - Kumkum Gupta - LaTanya Bellow - Lidia Paz -
Lindsey Pinell - Lisa Rego - Luis de Paz - Lynn Boldenweck - Margareta Molloy - Mark Barradas -
Maria Martinucci - Marie Villarosa - Marissa Premenko - Marta Bookbinder - Martha Escobar -
Martha Gonzales - Mary Giusti - Michael Coyne - Mike Lappen - Molly Hopp - Nicole Cuadra - Norm Faria -
Olma O’Neill Pablo Gonzales Pat Jarvis Paul Formosa Paula Steuer Pedro Gonzalez Rachel Goodman
- Rich Holt - Rocio Baez - Rosa Perez - Rosalind Stewart -
Rotary Club of South San Francisco - Ruth Gomez - Ryan Mah - Sam Shihadeh - Samantha Haimovitch -
Shane Looper - Sharon Ranals - Shawnte Santos - Sheila Fusaro - Sheryl Chan -
Steven Wong - Tom Wehner - Tony Estrada - Victoria Gavidia - Wendy Sinclair-Smith - Wesley Tanji -
Zenaida Montecinos -
We especially want to thank these individuals and organizations who helped us along the way, by
participating in our strategy sessions and interviews, for their ideas, insights and feedback.
Mike Futrell
City Manager
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary ................................................................................... 4
About the Library ...................................................................................... 5
Community Context ................................................................................... 6
Strategic Goals ....................................................................................... 15
Actions and Objectives ............................................................................ 20
Resources ................................................................................................ 22
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The Library is a heavily utilized and highly valued community resource, bursting at the seams
with activity. Visits have doubled in the past six years, from 234,854 in 2009-10, to more
than a half million in 2014-15.
Programs and events are in demand. In the past year, attendance increased 38%, reaching
nearly 50,000 for the first time.
The South San Francisco community recognizes the library is growing as a hub of activity.
They describe the library of the future as a high-tech gathering place, busy, noisy and fun,
with programming for all ages. Many are asking for a new modern facility that gives them
room to learn, study, converse, play and make.
Based on information gathered from over 1,000 members of our community, the strategic
plan will ensure the Library meets these needs, guiding the planning of new services and
spaces. Examples include:
Most neighborhoods are comprised of families with children. Education is highly
valued by these households, so the Library will provide expansive learning
opportunities for children and adults.
South San Francisco is a very diverse community and highly values cultural
appreciation, making it important for the Library to provide opportunities for
cultural engagement.
Technology, culture, local history, economic mobility, health and travel are valued
by a large share of the population, priorities that will help shape the Library’s
collections and resources.
Three broad interrelated goals encompass the work to be done over the next five years:
Community Presence - to plan a new joint facility for Library and Parks &
Recreation, renovate the Grand Avenue Library and expand outreach services and
digital collections.
Personal Growth and Learning - to develop programs that meet a wide variety of
community needs, including development of technology and job skills.
Community Engagement - to provide services that encourage civic participation,
volunteerism, cultural and artistic appreciation and knowledge of local history.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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Main Library
The Main Library at 840 West Orange Avenue opened fifty years ago in 1966 and is home
to the library’s primary collections and services as well as over 40 internet -connected
computers for library patrons and a strong wireless access network. Many events are held
at the Main Library for children and adults, including story times, “makerspaces”, cooking
classes, and author talks. Collection strengths include a strong collection of feature and
“world languages” DVDs and blu-rays, a current consumer health/medical collection, and a
focus on large print and self-help materials. The Main Library is open seven days a week.
Grand Avenue Branch Library
A Carnegie Library, the Grand Avenue Branch Library, opened in 1917 and is located on
the South San Francisco downtown corridor. Grand Avenue Library is undergoing a
renovation in order to meet community demand for more technology, programming, and
events. The Library is well-used, innovative services for low-income youth and their families,
such as a robust summer camp and lunch program, a weekly English Conversation Class, the
Library’s history archives, and collections addressing the diverse needs of the neighborhood.
Literacy Services
Project Read
Project Read is located in the lower level of the Main Library and provides basic literacy
and financial literacy tutoring for adults. Project Read’s Tax Assistance program is very
popular. Learning Wheels, a “bookmobile” program of Project Read, provides services to
hard-to-reach neighborhoods in North San Mateo County. During a Learning Wheels visit,
young children hear stories, use a state-of-the-art computer, receive free books, and play
with interactive educational toys.
Community Learning Center
The Community Learning Center is located in the Old Town neighborhood at 520 Tamarack
Lane, on the Spruce Elementary School campus. Providing programs and services since
1999, the CLC features a robust after school homework program for elementary school age
children and a summer learning program for at-risk kids. The CLC partners with local
organizations, such as the South San Francisco Unified School District and Skyline College to
provide literacy and educational programs and services for a generally underserved
community. Classes at the CLC include citizenship, computer instruction, English and Spanish
literacy, and job readiness. One heavily-used service of the CLC is their Creative Center, a
special drop-in program for children whose parents are attending classes.
ABOUT THE LIBRARY
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COMMUNITY
CONTEXT
South San Francisco residents, business, and civic leaders participated in our strategic planning
engagement process via individual and group conversations, forums and surveys.
Conversations focused equally on the community’s issues and opportunities and the current
state and future of the Library. In all these communications, South San Franciscans illuminated
their love for family, culture, and community as well as offering their thoughts about the future.
A demographic and market research database was also utilized to gain additional insights.
The major themes identified through this process are summarized below.
Children and Education
The majority of households in South San Francisco include families. Along with diversity,
families with children is the dominant characteristic of South San Francisco’s neighborhoods.
For most of these families, education and opportunity for their young ones is paramount. With
large Hispanic, Asian and Pacific Islander populations, South San Francisco is home to many
first– and second-generation families who immigrated to the area to provide greater
opportunity for their children. In many neighborhoods, college enrollment is above the
national average.
Within this larger group is a range of family conditions, in terms of age, income, race and
ethnicity. Strip away all of the differences – demographic, socio-economic, and consumer
preferences – they share the same values: hard work, ingenuity, economic security, quality of
education for their children, safety, engaging leisure time, quality of life, and a sense of
community. Family is the top priority.
Residents often speak about keeping families intact, in the community and developing local
paths to education and careers. Multiple generations of families with deep roots remember
the City from fifty or more years ago.
Gateway City for Immigrants
South San Francisco has a wonderful history as a place where immigrants have thrived as new
Americans while cherishing their native cultures, proud of their hard work and ability to adapt.
South San Francisco provided, and still provides, economic and social mobility.
The neighborhoods served by the Grand Avenue Library and Community Learning Center
include a high proportion of immigrants, including recent arrivals. 70 percent of the
households are families. One or more in the family has difficulty speaking English, and most
of those employed work in service industry sectors such as manufacturing, retail, or health
care.
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Racial and Ethnic Diversity
South San Francisco is diverse both racially and ethnically, as evidenced across a range of
data points in the demographic study. The chance that two or more neighbors in South San
Francisco will be of a different ethnic or racial background is at least 74%. This level of
diversity spans all income levels and geographic areas, including middle and upper-middle
class households.
For many of these Library users, native language books and DVDs provide entertainment
and cultural connections. Recently arrived immigrants are also frequent users of library
services, and are especially present at the Community Learning Center, Grand Avenue
Library, and Project Read’s literacy programs.
Culture and Travel
Many households in South San Francisco maintain cultural connections through travel and
media habits. As first- or second-generation families, our community uses travel to stay in
touch with relatives in other countries and to vacation and explore the world. Foreign films
are very popular with our community, as are events for adult and children that celebrate art
and culture.
Technology
The majority of households include middle- and upper-middle-class parents who are slightly
older, in their late 30s and 40s. They are sophisticated users of technology and provide
their children with access to these technologies from a young age. These families use the
latest devices, own big screen TVs, play video games and engage with social media.
Senior Services
Services for seniors are a top priority for the community. They hope that City services will
help them be able to age in place if they so choose, a concern for many seniors due to
recent increases in housing prices and costs of living. Seniors also want to be able to
maintain an active and social lifestyle, involved in civic life. They don’t want to be left
behind by technology and seek ways to learn about computers.
Health and Wellness
Most households are health-conscious, eating health foods and exercising regularly. Some
regularly purchase organic foods and practice yoga. For others, especially new immigrants
working to support their families, less expensive fast food options are preferred.
Home Improvement
Many middle- and upper-middle-class households in South San Francisco invest in home
improvement projects and remodels.
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Community and Civic Involvement
South San Francisco residents describe their home as “a very big small town”, emphasizing
the working and middle class family environment. Its rich history, beginning as a cattle town,
growing into an industrial center and recently emerging as a biotech giant, showcases the
innovative leadership that has made this City an attractive community for an increasingly
diverse population.
Community involvement in local government and services has always been the norm, with
high expectations for customer service in a city that is responsive and accommodating
despite its size. A significant number of people continue to stay involved in discussions around
civic issues that impact the community’s economic prosperity and its impact on the most
vulnerable. Growth and development, education, housing, transportation, safety, and
sustainability are often cited as key issues. Community leaders are active volunteers,
supporting programs and services provided by city departments, the school district, and
other community organizations.
A sense of community is important to many residents. They hope South San Francisco will
retain the value of community togetherness as it grows. Residents are described as
courteous, pragmatic, modest and generous toward those in need.
Opportunities exist to build and grow future leaders. Leadership development in the
community is described as both organic and informal. Current leadership encourages
residents to get involved via individual discussions, town hall meetings, the Citizens’ Academy,
City Council meetings, and participation on boards and commissions.
Information is commonly shared by word of mouth in the community. Many recall the days
when South San Francisco had a local newspaper, but now local news is shared informally.
The City recently hired a Director of Communications focused on engaging the community.
The increased communication about what is happening in South San Francisco, as well as
facts about local issues and opportunities, has been met with enthusiasm and appreciation.
Growth and development as both issue and opportunity
Regional pressure on housing raises concerns in the community. Many are hoping for a
sustainable future so they can remain in the area. Others are concerned about significant
density. While residents are appreciative of BART, Caltrain and Oyster Point Ferry
transportation options, a major local concern is about cross-town traffic.
South San Francisco has created a general plan to comprehensively address growth and
development, involving the community in conversations and Town Hall forums. The plan
proposes to create a dynamic, popular, downtown area, overcoming the barrier of Highway
101 to create more fluidity between east and west South San Francisco.
This story began with community involvement, and that is where it will continue. Engaging
residents is increasingly challenging as lives become more complex and busy. Widely
disseminating information and creating greater connections between City leadership and
residents presents an opportunity for the City and the Library to help create a future that
benefits all.
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SERVICE AND FACILITY IMPLICATIONS
The strategic planning engagement process generated insights that address specific library
services and facilities. The direction of the library will involve creating modern spaces for a
variety of educational, social, cultural and recreational experiences.
Space Planning
The vision of a new joint Library/Community Center received strong support during the
strategic planning engagement process. In addition, people overwhelmingly recognized the
value of their Library. Relevant survey responses include:
99% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed with “A strong Library and
Community Center keeps our kids and seniors active and engaged.”
99% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed with “I feel the Library is a strong
value.”
94% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed with “Kids who use the library after
school are less likely to get into trouble.”
Libraries are heavily utilized in South San Francisco. Use of the libraries, as measured by
visits to the Main and Grand Avenue facilities, is growing robustly, more than doubling over
six years to greater than 500,000:
0
100000
200000
300000
400000
500000
600000
2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
Visits
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SERVICE AND FACILITY IMPLICATIONS
The demand for programming and events at the library is high. In response to this demand,
staff have focused on increased levels of programming. These services have been met with
excitement, as program attendance surged 38% to nearly 50,000 in Fiscal Year 2014-15.
Spaces for a New Library and Community Center
Ranking a list of 19 types of library spaces and amenities by importance, on a scale of one
to four, survey respondents valued quiet reading and study spaces the most, followed by
wireless internet access, comfortable seating, homework center, technology learning stations
and children’s play and learn. The top five responses are illustrated below:
The community also described the types of spaces that should be part of a new Main Library
and Community Center.
Reading and Study
A new Main Library should include quiet spaces for reading and study. A reading
room can be located near the Fiction collection, providing the classic library
experience. Individual and group study rooms should be nearby, grouped together in
a quiet wing of the building. Throughout the engagements, the community expressed
their love of books and reading.
Programs and Events
The community expects the library to grow its program offerings by providing
dedicated spaces for a variety of activities. The renovation at the Grand Avenue
Library helps accomplish that goal. Event space at Main Library is currently at
capacity, one auditorium shared between Children, Teen, Adult and Project Read
services. A new Main Library and Community Center will provide the community with
more space for a range of events and activities.
3.35
3.4
3.45
3.5
3.55
3.6
3.65
3.7
3.75
Survey Score
Quiet Reading and Study
Areas
Wireless Internet Access
Comfortable Seating
Homework Center
Technology Learning
Stations
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SERVICE AND FACILITY IMPLICATIONS
Spaces for Art and Creativity
The community would like dedicated spaces for arts and crafts. A digital music studio
was discussed as were art exhibits and film screenings. Creative skills are also
recognized for their value in the job market.
Science, Technology and “Maker” Spaces
The community values the Library’s role in providing access to computers and the
internet. People want to see expanded technology offerings, including a dedicated
learning space, more equipment and instructional classes. Lending iPads and laptops
for home use was specifically mentioned as a desired service. Many requested
dedicated spaces for technology classes, “makerspaces”, and STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education.
Children and Teen Spaces
An expanded children’s space and dedicated teen space are highly desired in a new
library, with room for story time and other events. Providing positive experience for
teens is a high priority for the community. Popular teen spaces are designed for casual
social interaction and include technology such as gaming and “maker” equipment.
Accessible Spaces
A new space should accommodate persons with disabilities, help them and their
families feel comfortable and provide them with opportunities for engagement.
Local History Space
The community would like the local history collection moved to a more accessible
location. A new Main Library and Community Center provides the opportunity to
feature this important resource. In addition, a new dynamic, interactive space provides
the opportunity to exhibit historical artifacts and media. The Library will collaborate
with the Historical Society to develop any new space and collections.
Outdoor Spaces
The community would like outdoor and natural spaces. A garden and play space were
specifically requested. People would also like the new facility to have plenty of
natural light.
Health and Wellness
Health and wellness are important to families and seniors in our community. A
dedicated area that includes a wellness technology collection and recreation space for
fitness classes such as yoga and Zumba would be a fit for our active community.
Other Amenities
A café is a very popular suggestion. A drive through book drop also received mention.
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Children’s Services
The importance of family and education drives the community’s use of children’s services,
programs and collections. These collections and services are seen as the most important
function of the Library. Demand is high for additional programs and space for children and
teens. Supporting teachers was identified as a possible service direction for the Library.
Adult Services
The community highly values the programs and events for adults and want to see Library
staff expand services supporting technological literacy, including more classes and “Tech
Drop-In” help desk sessions. Expanded senior services should be a feature of a new Main
Library and Community Center, as keeping this population active and engaged is a high
priority.
The community speaks highly of the staff, often citing customer service as the reason they
choose to visit South San Francisco’s libraries instead of those in neighboring towns. High
levels of service and staffing have become the expectation.
Collections
The community rates the Library highly for its collections. Books are particularly important,
though audiobooks, DVDs and magazines are also popular. Longer borrowing periods for
DVDs was suggested. The community would also like to see more and newer books at the
Grand Avenue Library. Cuts to the magazine collection in recent years are a concern for
some.
World Language and Cultural Interest Collections
The community would like to see the Library grow it’s world language and interest collections,
while also planning unique cultural spaces for a new facility, supporting important community
activities such as cultural awareness and preservation. In addition, expanded native
language and language-learning resources will support the Library’s educational mission.
Digital Collections
The community would like to see the library expand it’s digital collections, such as digital
magazines and streaming video. Language and culture databases may also be popular
options for the community. At the same time, an opportunity exists to increase awareness of
current digital offerings, such as the library’s e-book collections.
Project Read and Literacy Services
The community values Project Read and the Library’s impact on literacy, recognizing the
important of literacy to self-sufficiency and socioeconomic mobility. Many recent arrivals
face challenges due to struggles with second language literacy. Project Read also partners
with other organizations to help the community navigate taxes, financial planning and health
benefits. A new facility would provide much needed space for tutoring.
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Grand Avenue Library and Community Learning Center
The community served by the Grand Avenue Library and Community Learning Center wants
programs and events, for both children and adults. They also want improved collections. A
robust, vibrant opening day collection, in multiple languages, and a full calendar of events
should be in place in time for the re-opening of the Library.
Many of the households in the neighborhoods served by the Grand Avenue Library and
Community Learning Center include a person who has difficulty speaking English. A very
diverse population, services in a variety of languages would help meet community needs.
Issues pertinent to this community include: childhood literacy, affordable child-care options,
supporting school achievement, and access to affordable, healthy food.
The Library should continue to identify innovative ways to serve this community, such as the
summer camp and free lunch program. Nutritional and cooking classes would also be
popular and potentially beneficial to the health of the community.
Since many are not active on social media, to reach this community staff should perform
outreach and post promotional materials at local businesses.
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Workforce Development
Workforce development is a nation-wide issue. In South San Francisco, the spectrum for
employment opportunities is wide (from service fields to Biotech), and provides opportunities
to build career paths. Partnerships between education agencies, the City and local
businesses are focusing on the creation of more paths to local jobs, especially in the STEM
disciplines, allowing for multiple levels of educational and skills attainment.
Business owners feel the issues will only become more complex, with a widening gap
between available jobs and current skills. More sophisticated skill sets are needed even in
manufacturing jobs. Expectations for future work involve providing higher value through
much more interpersonal interaction with customers, designing and creating experiences
rather than products, managing complex projects with multiple entities, and very high needs
for digital literacies and skill sets. South San Francisco has the opportunity to focus deeply in
building workforce skills, positively affecting families throughout the City.
Community and civic leaders working with corporations and Skyline College are also
formulating strategies for supporting multiple paths to employment. Genentech is investing
in a STEM-based curriculum in South San Francisco Unified School District schools and
working closely with the community to develop a future workforce. While some vocational
opportunities are present at the community college level, there is room for many more paths
to develop employment options.
Partnerships in Education
The South San Francisco community values education as an integral route to self-sufficiency
and improved quality of life, presenting the Library with numerous opportunities to leverage
partnerships for greater impact. For example, The Big Lift is a collective impact
collaborative led by three agencies – Silicon Valley Community Foundation, the San Mateo
County Office of Education, and the County of San Mateo - partnering with dozens of
county leaders and community-based organizations to close the achievement gap and
improve third-grade reading proficiency throughout the County. South San Francisco is one
of four Big Lift-funded collaborations, and the only City as co-sponsor with the (required)
school district as lead agency. The South San Francisco Parks & Recreation and Library
Departments are involved and invested in this project, partnering with South San Francisco
Unified School District and other local agencies.
Volunteerism
The community views keeping youth engaged and providing aspirational experiences as a
necessary primary focus in South San Francisco. They’d like to see investments in providing
youth with opportunities to have positive experiences in the community. The availability of
special programs and volunteer opportunities for all ages and interests is a core community
value.
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STRATEGIC GOALS
Citizen Awareness and Involvement
Volunteerism
Preserving South San Francisco History
Celebrating Community Diversity
Supporting Arts & Culture
21st Century Literacies and Skills
Creative Skills
Emerging Technology Trends
Partnerships and Collaborations
Advocacy, Grants and Fundraising
Staff Growth and Innovation
COMMUNITY PRESENCE
PERSONAL GROWTH AND LEARNING
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
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Flexible Use of Library Facilities
New Main Library
Expanded Virtual Services
Pop-up Library Events Throughout the City
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COMMUNITY PRESENCE
Being present in the community represents multiple opportunities for the Library:
as a hub of activity and learning
as a vehicle for partnerships and collaborations throughout the community
as a virtually accessible resource for collections and services
Residents want a new Main Library that provides enough space to support a variety of
activities. People want to use the Library to read, study, create, take a class, attend an
event, gather socially and utilize technology. Design ideas include a music studio and
makerspace, a space for children and a space for teens, quiet spaces for reading and
study, plenty of color and natural light.
The Library’s collections are highly valued by the community. Books, audiobooks,
magazines and DVDs are frequently cited as highlights of the Library experience. The
Library’s partnership with the Parks & Recreation Department is seen as a strength for both
organizations. Community input supports the idea of a co-located facility that offers an
engaging and flexible environment.
Library staff are involved in the community through outreach activities: partnering with City
departments and community organizations, using the Learning Wheels early literacy
outreach van, hosting “pop-up” story times and services at the Farmer’s Market, making
classroom visits at local schools, participating in National Night Out neighborhood events,
and more.
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South San Francisco Public Library
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Virtual services represent another opportunity for the library to engage the community.
Feedback suggests people have an interest in connecting with the Library through social
media. Indeed, many currently follow the Library on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and
Pinterest. Online account management through the Library’s website and via text message
is a very popular feature. Library digital collections are also available, consisting of
research and homework databases and downloadable e-books. Community feedback
suggests streaming video and digital magazines would be popular additions to the online
resource mix.
PERSONAL GROWTH AND LEARNING
Education is highly valued across the community. The Library, together with Project Read and
the Community Learning Center, is viewed by many as a way to gain important skills and
knowledge individually and for their families. The Library’s youth services are considered
important for providing enrichment to South San Francisco’s children. Community input
suggests that more programs for teens, especially in art, science and technology, would be
highly valued.
Basic literacy is fundamental to prosperity. Digital literacy, the ability to use a computer and
navigate the Internet, is also essential to many aspects of daily life: finance, employment,
healthcare, transit, shopping, and more. Through interactive technology, story times, reading,
tutoring, workshops, homework clubs, citizenship classes and more, the Library, Project Read
and Community Learning Center work together to prepare the community for a changing
world.
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Digital literacies are essential to many of today’s jobs and a talented workforce is the
competitive edge that propels a community forward. The library, through a focus on
supporting learning and social connections, must be an active participant in a community’s
educational continuum. Library programs focused on literacy and STEM are but a sample of
the areas of learning and enrichment that bring the community together to learn and grow.
The library provides access to emerging technologies in a collaborative environment as well
as opportunities for the community to stay current and develop new skills.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Library is positioned to facilitate a shared vision for the future of South San Francisco by:
providing information about City-wide opportunities, initiatives and development planning
with a goal of inclusive decision-making
developing programs to celebrate local history, culture and diversity
creating meaningful volunteer opportunities both in the Library and within the Library’s
network of partners and collaborators
Facilitating the understanding of issues and participation in decision making is seen as a
strength of the Library. Residents think of their Library as a place to access information and
gain knowledge, an educational space. The Library daily provides information, research, and
referrals. Additionally, it offers experiential opportunities and educational and instructional
programs that turn information into knowledge. The Library can play an important role in
helping residents become engaged and informed in community decision-making.
- 20 -
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Residents see the services and events hosted at the Library as helping to bring the
community together. Programs for adults, teens and children are seen as something the
library does well with great possibilities for expansion.
Another important aspect of community engagement is the incorporation of South San
Francisco’s rich history into the planning process. One of the ways the Library is already
moving forward is through the renovation of the historic Carnegie Grand Avenue Branch
Library. It is in the process of being remodeled to create a better platform for library
services. A warm reminder of the history of the public library in South San Francisco, the
Grand Avenue branch is a jewel of a facility in close proximity to historic City Hall. It is truly
a neighborhood-oriented library, also patronized by local businesses and people shopping
and dining downtown.
The Library has a strong relationship with the Historical Society of South San Francisco,
partnering with them in collecting, preserving and curating the City’s history. Digitization of
existing documents and images will make the collection more accessible. A new Library will
provide opportunities to share the rich history of South San Francisco through exhibits of art,
artifacts, images and documents.
The Library also has a role in celebrating and preserving culture. Ideas for improvement
include expanding collections of books and movies to include more foreign language
materials that reflect the diversity of the community.
Community engagement is evidenced by the active role of volunteers at the Library. As a
significant wave of South San Francisco residents nears retirement, they will have varying
expectations for their community service. The types of programs the community wants to see
in a new library will provide a wide range of volunteer opportunities.
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ACTIONS AND
OBJECTIVES
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This strategic plan creates a framework in which a nimble and flexible Library can maximize
emerging opportunities. The objectives outlined below also provide some specific service
ideas based on community input.
2016 TO 2020 AND BEYOND
1. Design New Main Library and Community Center
use community input gathered in this plan to begin development of programming and
staffing plans for new facility
conduct additional community outreach such as town hall meetings to share vision and elicit
feedback
benchmark an array of joint use facilities to identify relevant best practices
prepare an organizational strengths and assets inventory of Library and Parks &
Recreation Departments and define roles, responsibilities, and structure in a combined
facility
identify spatial requirements and relationships in a co-located facility emphasizing
flexibility, adaptability and integration of interactive elements
solicit design proposals for a new library and community center that meets the needs
identified in this plan and subsequent community engagements
identify and pursue a variety of funding resources, including private sources and
collaborative partnerships
coordinate grant writing and fundraising activities between the two departments and their
associated partners (Friends of the Library, Public Library Foundation, Friends of Parks
and Recreation)
2. Staff Development and Training
establish innovation teams composed of all levels of library staff
train staff on use of the Strategic Plan to guide growth of services and collections
develop an emerging technology lab space with an equipment and staffing strategy which
includes alternative operation models, participatory service design
identify technological and other skills that will be needed as library adapts to changing
needs of community
develop strategies for staff retention and succession management
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South San Francisco Public Library
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4. Re -open Grand Avenue Library with New Collections and Services
develop calendar of new programs and events for children and adults at Grand Library
build opening day collection responsive to community needs, with an emphasis on culture,
language, citizenship and children’s materials
make the History Collection accessible, usable, and celebrated through digitization and
community events
5. Prioritize Community Engagement Strategies
develop a mobile strategy to take the library into the community; dedicate staffing and
equipment
promote literacy services to neighborhoods served by Community Learning Center
increase use of social media and other online tools to open collections and services to
larger audiences
create specific engagement activities for volunteers, such as expanding “Tech Drop-In”
and “Makerspace” programming
6. Build a Robust Digital Environment
expand digital collections to include magazine and video formats
add additional databases for language-learning and cultural content
promote e-books during outreach events, especially to tech-savvy neighborhoods
create space and acquire equipment to support technology classes and “makerspaces”
7. Expand Programming and Events
host cultural activities that celebrate the community’s diversity
plan events that create awareness of local history in partnership with Historical Society
expand STEM programming for families and youth
provide services supporting the development of new workforce skills and digital literacy,
including establishing a computer instruction lab at the Main Library
bring programs to other outlets, such as Grand Avenue Library, Community Learning
Center, Senior Center and other city facilities
8. Develop New Collections Responsive to Community Interest
expand world languages and cultural interest collections
lend iPads and other devices for at home use
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RESOURCES
The Strategic Plan and supporting data can be found online at:
www.ssf.net/librarystrategicplan
For Further Reading - Resources for Library Service Innovation
1. Aspen Institute, Rising to the Challenge, Re-envisioning Public Libraries
http://csreports.aspeninstitute.org/documents/AspenLibrariesReport.pdf
2. Aspen Institute, Rising to the Challenge Re-envisioning Public Libraries: Strategies for Success
http://csreports.aspeninstitute.org/documents/Strategies_for_Success.pdf
3. ARUP, Future Libraries Workshops Summary and Emerging Insights
http://publications.arup.com/Publications/F/Future_Libraries.aspx
4. Urban Libraries Council: Leadership Brief: Partners for Education
http://www.urbanlibraries.org/filebin/pdfs/
ULCLeadership_Brief_PartnersForEducation_Jan2015.pdf
5. Urban Libraries Council, Leadership Brief: Libraries Igniting Learning
http://www.urbanlibraries.org/filebin/pdfs/Libraries_Igniting_Learing-
ULC_Leadership_Brief.pdf
6. The NMC Horizon Report: 2015 K-12 Edition examines emerging technologies for their
potential impact on and use in teaching, learning, and creative inquiry in schools.
http://cdn.nmc.org/media/2015-nmc-horizon-report-k12-EN.pdf
7. The NMC Horizon Report > 2015 Library Edition examines key trends, significant
challenges, and important developments in technology for their impact on academic and
research libraries across the globe.
http://cdn.nmc.org/media/2015-nmc-horizon-report-library-EN.pdf
8. Huber, John J. 2011. Lean library management: eleven strategies for reducing costs and
improving customer services. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers.
9. Museums, Libraries and Comprehensive Initiatives: A First Look at Emerging Experience, Local
Initiatives Support Corporation: Chris Walker & Lesley Lundgren and Institute of Museum
and Library Services: Carlos Manjarrez & Sarah Fuller
https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/
museumslibrariesandcomprehensiveinitiatives.pdf
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Strategic Plan 2016-2020 23
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10. IMLS report, Museums, Libraries and 21st Century Skills
http://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/21stcenturyskills.pdf
Search www.imls.gov for “21st Century Skills” for blog posts, additional resources, and
learning and grant opportunities.
Trending
11. The Digital Shift is the new home for all technology-related stories and features
published by Library Journal and School Library Journal. http://www.thedigitalshift.com/
about/
Outreach and Engagement
12. Urban Libraries Council, Library Priority: Community-Civic Engagement
http://www.urbanlibraries.org/filebin/pdfs/ULC_Leadership_Brief_II_Full_4Pages.pdf
13. Community as Collection – IMLS Grant. http://quartz.syr.edu/blog/?p=8338
Re
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- 45 -