April 27, 2026 • 44 mins
The Sacramento Public Library Authority meeting celebrated volunteers and staff with presentations from the Friends of the Library, a Big Day of Giving kickoff, and proclamations for National Volunteer Week and National Library Workers Day.
Highlights included volunteer stories and job coaching successes, updates on outreach programs and construction projects, discussion of library services and policy topics, and recognition of the library’s vital community role.
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Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
We'll get this party started then.
(00:05):
All right, everyone, I welcome you to this meeting of the Sacramento Public Library Authority
Board.
I now call this meeting to order at 3.06 p.m.
Clerk, will you please call the roll?
Roger Dickinson?
Here.
Karina Talamantes?
Here.
Phil Pluckybaum?
Here.
Katie Maple?
Here.
Mai Vang?
Here.
(00:25):
Phil Cerna?
Here.
Patrick Kennedy?
Here.
Nazario Rodriguez?
Here.
Pat Hume?
Here.
Mary Jane Lopez-Taff?
Here.
Rod Brewer?
Here.
Kevin Spees?
Here.
Tim Reed?
Here.
Linda Budge?
Here.
Tanya Kravchuk?
Here.
(00:45):
Noel Mora?
Here.
Vena Lefkowitz?
Here.
Nick Bloisi?
Here.
And we have a quorum of eight members present.
We have a quorum.
Fabulous.
Madam Clerk, would you please read the statement?
This meeting of the Sacramento Public Library Authority is broadcast live and recorded with
(01:08):
closed captioning.
It is cablecast on Metro Cable Channel 14, the local government affairs channel on the
Comcast and DirecTV U-verse cable systems.
It is also livestreamed at metro14live.saccounty.gov.
Today's meeting will be placed Saturday, April 25th at 4 p.m. on Metro Cable Channel 14.
(01:29):
Once posted, the recording of this meeting can be viewed on demand at youtube.com slash
Metro Cable 14.
The meeting will also be recorded via Zoom.
A DVD copy will be available on request no later than two weeks following today's meeting.
The full agenda, including reports, is available on the library website at www.saclibrary.org.
(01:50):
Members of the audience wishing to address the board should complete a speaker identification
form located at the back table and give it to the clerk.
Members attending via Zoom should raise their hand in the Zoom program.
Please speak clearly when addressing the board and state your name for the record.
Comments are limited to three minutes so that everyone may be heard.
Wonderful.
(02:11):
Now, please rise if you are able for the Pledge of Allegiance.
I salute and pledge.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for
which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Alright.
(02:32):
Well, now I'll move on to public comment on matters not on the agenda.
Do we have any public comment?
Okay.
Seeing none, we'll move on to a really fun portion of the meeting, presentations.
We'll start with item 3.1, Friends of the Sacramento Public Library.
Welcome.
Hello.
(02:53):
Hello, everyone.
We have a beautiful presentation made for you all, so I'll give a second for the team
to pull that up.
My name is Devon Graves.
I serve as the vice president for the Friends of the Sacramento Public Library and happy
to report on behalf of our organization that represents community members across the region
(03:14):
that love their library.
So first thing I want to point out is that today is the start of early giving for the
Big Day of Giving, and so we are working as an organization to use these efforts to support
the summer reading team portion and book first programs that the library puts on.
(03:37):
So our fundraising efforts really are important to keep those programs doing what they do,
and we're excited for that.
And as always, we want to do the JPA challenge, and so please, members of the JPA, we ask
that you support these efforts.
The QR code is on the screen right there.
(03:59):
Take a picture with your phone.
It goes right to the donation page, and you can donate.
It takes Apple Pay, PayPal.
So we really hope the members of the JPA donate to this effort, but also if you can advertise
this to your community in your newsletters, that would be super helpful as we continue
to do this work.
(04:19):
And again, like I said, as we support these programs, the goal here is $85,000.
We've been fortunate in the last couple of years to surpass that goal, and so all efforts
promoting this work matters, and we really look forward to going into the classrooms
and delivering these books to the first graders.
(04:40):
Outside of the big Day of Giving efforts that we have going on, I did want to highlight
Chair Maple, who came and did a visit to our book den.
Chair Maple, we try to stress as much as possible, and I truly mean this with all honesty, that
was just a normal day in the book den with all those volunteers there, the customers
(05:01):
there, the only people that knew you were coming were the members of the board.
And so that's a normal day.
We extend that invitation out to everyone.
Here in these pictures, Chair Maple was checking out our different collections here, and then
also meeting some of our volunteers who work on our online sales, and so our eBay and Amazon
(05:21):
sales that really turn a good profit for us.
And then also these are some of our board members here who are committed to this work,
and we're super grateful for your visit.
And then I do have to share my personal favorite photo from that day, so I love that.
That was the test photo of the day.
And before you move on, I have to say, I'm sorry it took me so long to get there, but
(05:45):
really visiting the book den was an incredible experience.
If you haven't been already, please do take the time.
It's amazing what these volunteers are doing.
It's a completely 100% volunteer-run operation, and it's a big company, essentially.
There's thousands of books, they're sending out things on eBay, on Amazon, they've got
(06:07):
volunteers sorting in the back, they've got people shopping in the front.
I was really, really amazed.
So I appreciate the tour.
Yeah, no, thank you for coming, and it allowed me to get a good find.
My daughter, who's almost two, loves Paw Patrol right now, and so I found a nice Paw Patrol
book to get her.
It was a successful day for me as well, but thank you, and again, I send that invitation
(06:28):
to any members of the board who want to come out and check out the work that we do there.
I do want to shout out the National Volunteers Week, Library Volunteers Week.
As you know, the Friends is a volunteer organization, so we definitely appreciate that work, and
then of course, our National Library workers, who deserve all the credit for the work that
they do.
So please reach out if you have any questions regarding Big Day of Giving.
(06:49):
We look forward to your support, and that is the report of the Friends of the Sacramento
Public Library.
Wonderful.
A great report.
Do we have any comments from directors?
Any public comment?
Okay, seeing none.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Really appreciate it.
Okay.
Now we'll move on to item 3.2, Proclamation Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2026,
(07:12):
and we'll welcome up Todd or whomever would like to come.
Welcome.
Hi.
My name is Christina Conley, and I've been the system-wide volunteer coordinator for
Sacramento Public Library for about a little over the last year and a half, and this is
(07:34):
the Volunteer Services Program 2025 in Review.
I'm going to pass it over to my supervisor, Community Engagement Services Manager, Todd
Dutt, to read the proclamation for volunteers for 2025.
(07:57):
Let me get my readers.
Okay, so National Volunteer Week proclamation.
Whereas National Volunteer Week will be celebrated in public libraries throughout the country,
Sacramento County, and all the cities and communities therein from April 19, 2026 to
(08:20):
April 25, 2026, and whereas in 2025 Sacramento Public Library volunteers were able to provide
a total of 80,302 hours of service in libraries.
Examples of the volunteer services provided include adult and teen volunteers providing
22,921 hours in support of library branch operations, adult literacy volunteers providing
(08:48):
6,962 hours of tutoring for adults wanting to improve their education levels, and 42,131
volunteer hours with branch affiliates, book sorting, and sales assisting with the Book
First initiative, election support, and supporting the Bookton.
(09:10):
And whereas volunteers show their commitment to service to the community by English conversation
group facilitation, adult literacy tutoring, take and make kit assembly, data entry, shelf
reading, book sorting, book selling, job coaching, advocacy, and outreach participation,
and whereas volunteers are passionate about Sacramento Public Library and the communities
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it serves.
Now therefore, be it resolved that the Sacramento Public Library Authority Board does hereby
proclaim April 19 through April 25, 2026 as National Volunteer Week and thanks the 1,531
volunteers who support and enhance our libraries.
(09:55):
And I will turn it back over to Christina.
She's got some great information to share.
Excellent.
Thank you, Todd.
All right, so in the next slide that I'm about to pull up, I just wanted to take a moment
to highlight the program's transition away from the question, what can our volunteers
(10:15):
do for us, as we move instead towards what can we do for our volunteers.
So we empower our volunteers to experience the following.
Skill building, volunteers have the opportunity to practice both informal and professional
social skills, organization, time management, teamwork, leadership, creativity, and technological
(10:37):
literacy.
Connection, volunteer opportunities combat social isolation in our community.
We celebrate relationship building and social emotional learning and the opportunities we
offer by encouraging collaboration during volunteer shifts.
Personal growth, volunteers set their own goals in partnership with staff in alignment
with branch goals.
(11:00):
So we had over 80,000 hours donated, as Todd just mentioned, in 2025 with a large portion
of those hours coming from the friends.
So a big thank you again to the friends.
That's pretty incredible.
And we've seen an increase over the past four years in the amount of volunteers as we've
bounced back from the pandemic closures, which is great.
(11:26):
And in these next slides, I'm especially excited to read.
So I'm going to now highlight some of our amazing and really passionate volunteers.
So this is Brianna.
She works at the North Highlands Library, and she's donated 438 hours, which is incredible.
And her quote might be my favorite.
I mean, all the quotes in here are amazing.
(11:47):
But she says, the library is a magical place.
Whatever you need, we have it.
Be yourself.
Don't be afraid, which I feel like is just like a lovely summary.
This is Joanna.
She volunteers at the South Natomas Library, and she's donated 73 hours.
I had to shorten her quote a little bit to fit in the slide, but you can find the full
quote on our website on the volunteer page.
(12:10):
But she said, if you feel frustrated with the state of the world and don't know what
to do, volunteering with the library is a great start.
Supporting your local library is supporting your local community.
This is Arnie, volunteers at the Carmichael Library and has been volunteering for a very
long time for our Read to a Dog program.
I think he might have a lot more hours that haven't been logged in our system, because
(12:36):
I'm guessing he has over 100 that have been logged, that he's volunteered, but that's
what we had logged.
So Arnie says, people always thank me for coming, but I'm the one who's thankful.
I pay to come here.
Reading with the kids is the highlight of my week.
Arnie's amazing, and so is his dog, Nixie.
I've met them both.
(12:57):
And then this is Annette, who is an adult literacy tutor and has donated 1,300 hours.
So Annette is a superstar volunteer, and she says, literacy tutoring has become a sense
of purpose for me.
I retired, and I wasn't sure what I wanted to do.
It's so important in retirement to stay social and continue to think, and so that's been
(13:19):
a real help for me.
One interesting thing about Annette is she actually volunteers in our libraries, but
also volunteers in our jails through our adult literacy program.
So although we do a lot of place-based opportunities, there's also other opportunities wherever
a need is.
(13:40):
And Annette was one of our first people to kind of seize the opportunity to go into the
jail and to improve literacy levels, so interesting to her.
Yes, thank you, Todd.
This is Maggie.
So Maggie donated 150 hours in 2025.
She was actually a department volunteer in the Community Engagement Services Department,
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so I got to work with her on a regular basis.
And she said, the library staff have been so amazing to work with.
Everyone is so kind and supportive.
They really want you to be able to do your best work and what you are most passionate
about.
And Maggie actually just graduated with her Master's in Library and Information Science,
so she is looking to pursue librarianship as a career, which is really exciting.
(14:31):
Next we have Rachel, the Friends President, who has donated 897 hours.
And Rachel is on the left there, Pam is on the right.
They're both tabling at our first quarterly volunteer social we held in this last January,
which I will get to in a minute.
Rachel says, I was working as a book den cashier, and on a Saturday afternoon, a little
(14:55):
girl came up to the checkout desk with a stack of six Nancy Drew volumes.
Her proud father followed with six more.
His daughter was purchasing the dozen Nancy Drews with her allowance savings.
Her excitement and delight in finding and being able to make these books her own is
a memory I will never forget.
And for me, it cemented the purpose and blessing that the book den and Friends represent.
(15:17):
Which is a really, really beautiful story.
Pam, who is the Friends Book Den Champion, with over 12,000 hours volunteered, she is
a superstar.
So Pam said that, volunteering was the one thing I knew I needed to do when I retired.
The Friends and the book den showed up on my radar and seemed the perfect fit.
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I had no idea I would be so involved with getting books to children, but that has been
my favorite thing to do.
It doesn't hurt that I am surrounded by the best people and we have the best customers.
That makes me extremely happy that I chose the Friends and the book den to volunteer.
Doesn't hurt that my daughter is a librarian.
And next, we have two guests today.
(16:03):
So I'd like to invite up the two really amazing volunteer job coaches we have.
So Carolyn and Spencer.
And yeah, Carolyn, if maybe you want to go first and then Spencer after that.
Thank you so much.
Welcome.
Good afternoon.
I'm Carolyn Spader and I volunteer at the library as an interview advisor because it
(16:23):
allows me to use the knowledge and experience I've built over the years in a way that directly
benefits others.
Many people in the community are actively seeking guidance, whether they're entering
the workforce for the first time, changing careers, or reentering the workforce after
a break.
Being able to offer practical advice, help them refine their communication, and build
(16:46):
their confidence for interviews, both meaningful and rewarding to me.
It's fulfilling to know that even small insights or encouragement can make a real difference
in someone's opportunities.
As a retiree, this role gives me a strong sense of purpose and connection.
Staying active in the community and contributing in a tangible way helps me feel useful and
(17:12):
engaged.
I enjoy meeting new people, hearing their stories, and supporting their goals.
Volunteering in this capacity is not only about sharing skills, it's about giving back,
staying connected, and making a positive impact, which brings me a great deal of personal satisfaction.
(17:33):
Thank you.
Hi, my name is Spencer Goodhart, and I'm going to follow that up with a much smaller letter.
Getting to be a job coach through the Sacramento Library has been a wonderful experience, allowing
me to work with people from all walks of life to help them obtain the skills they need in
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order to pursue the careers they want.
I've helped provide key interview, resume building, and job hunting tools that have
shown solid results with clients.
My goal as a job coach is to help reduce anxiety around job hunting.
As many clients I've worked with are young or have little experience with cruising the
job market, a road we all know can be especially bumpy.
(18:15):
Being a coach for the Sacramento Public Library makes me feel like I'm having a real impact
and helps me connect with the community in ways I find fulfilling and engaging.
I want to extend a thank you to Christina for helping put this program together and
also for her continued support.
Thank you.
(18:35):
Thank you both so much.
I asked them both to come here today because I really believe that they are great examples
of the volunteer program and just very compassionate, kind people that are supporting our community,
which is amazing.
So if anyone has questions on how volunteers can apply, that is the website address, but
(18:59):
people are also welcome to email me at volunteer at saclibrary.org.
I'm always more than happy to walk people through the application process.
And this is one of my favorite slides.
So like I mentioned, we have started hosting quarterly volunteer socials.
And so January was our first one that we held, and really we just want to focus on building
(19:24):
connection and community with our volunteer program.
We believe that socialization is a really big component as to why people volunteer,
and so providing people an opportunity to connect and get to know one another and also
just celebrate all the hard work they do is something that we really value.
So we had a lot of attendees show up.
A lot of people showed up 30 minutes early, which was really cool, and everyone was very
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engaged with the activities.
And we're actually hosting our next one this Saturday at the Bell Coolidge Library from
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
So if anyone wants to come, it's going to be really fun.
And in closing, our program is designed to support our community members' goals.
(20:07):
Through skill building, connection, and personal growth, our volunteers have the opportunity
to find and pursue new passions and build lasting relationships.
We view our volunteers as both community partners and library advocates, and we celebrate their
successes.
I did want to mention on your tables, Todd placed some volunteer appreciation swag that
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we shared with our volunteers this year, which includes a Sacramento-themed bandana with
a design that I drew and colored myself because I wanted to share my personal gratitude with
our volunteers for all that they do.
It's beautiful.
Thank you.
Yes.
Thank you.
And we also include a copy of our One Book, One Coast program's featured book, George
Takei's They Called Us Enemy.
(20:50):
And thank you for your time.
Wonderful.
Please join me in giving them and the friends and all of our volunteers a big round of applause.
Really, really grateful for all the work that you do every day because we certainly couldn't
do it without you.
With that, I see we have Director Dickinson.
Come on up.
(21:12):
Thank you, Chair.
And I thank you for the presentation.
I want to join in expressing gratitude to all the volunteers.
You know, one of the things you learn over time when you serve in an elective office,
and whether it's the county, the library, the city, wherever it is, without the volunteers,
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the operations would be about half as good as they are.
Volunteers I think have such an incredible impact that they don't even realize how profound
that effect is and how much it helps members of the public.
But one thing I wanted to actually ask, there used to be essentially a graduation ceremony
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for those who had gone through the literacy program and learned to read.
Does that still happen?
I'm going to let Todd answer that because I think he knows a little bit more about it.
So we do an in-person career online high school graduation.
It happens every September, and it's an opportunity for graduates of the program to celebrate
(22:19):
with their friends and family the accomplishment of getting their high school diploma.
Oh, okay.
So maybe this is a little bit different.
The library did have a program that helped people of any age learn to read, that basic
literacy for folks who were literally illiterate.
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And so is that not a program that's sponsored anymore?
No, we absolutely still have our adult literacy program.
It's actually volunteer run also, and we support it through trainings and tutor-volunteer match-ups.
So Annette, who was one of the featured volunteers, actually represents that program very well.
Well, that's what made me think of it was seeing the slide with Annette.
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So there used to be, in essence, a graduation for the people who had completed the course
and had learned to read.
Is that still done?
So we do not have a graduation for that type of project for it, but I love the suggestion
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of throwing some sort of party or celebration.
We definitely can consider that for next year.
I would encourage it, because when I was on this board in my previous incarnation, I went
to that sometimes, and if you restore it, I encourage all the board members to go, because
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it is such an amazing occasion.
The pride that people have in learning to read is just overwhelming.
It really is astounding.
People who would pick this up at the beginning, and they couldn't read it, and then they learned
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to read, and they are so proud, they are so happy, and that is so contagious.
It is absolutely remarkable.
It was one of my favorite events, and it was through the library.
It may have gone away with COVID, but we definitely can look at opportunities to bring it back.
I appreciate it.
(24:31):
I think it would be great, but as I say, if you do, then be sure and tell the board members,
so at least hopefully some of them can get there and enjoy the event, because it is one
of the best days.
Or sign up to be a literacy tutor.
We need more tutors.
Thanks, Chair.
All right.
Thank you.
(24:51):
Director Lefkowitz.
Yeah, very exciting, the work you are doing.
Quick question, questions about the tutoring of younger people, like what age groups are
you tutoring?
So currently our adult literacy program focuses on, I believe, 18 and up, but I hope I'm not
(25:14):
misspeaking here.
I think that we do have opportunities for people who are about to turn 18 to do the
career online high school, but they have to be within like a certain amount of months
of turning 18, I believe.
Oh, I was hearing that you have volunteers reading to children, so that's what I was
assuming.
You had a tutoring program for the kids, but it sounds like it's a different thing.
(25:36):
Yeah, yeah, a separate thing, yeah.
And the programs that specifically reference reading to kids, that's a very unique program,
which is the Read to a Dog program, which happens at a few libraries throughout the
system, and it's amazing.
And do you have to be 18 to tutor, or can you be a high school kid who's skilled at
(26:00):
whatever and tutoring?
I believe you do have to be 18 to be a tutor, yeah.
Okay, thank you, but exciting work, thanks so much.
That's actually a really interesting question.
Fun fact about me, I was an English tutor at Yuba College, but I was 16, and I was teaching
essays and writing for them, and so I wonder if that's something we should look into about,
(26:24):
because there's a lot of really talented, perhaps young people that might be really
interested in volunteering.
Director Mora.
Okay, I just wanted to add to the thank yous, and also because I know it sounds like a lot
of the programs, especially with job coaching, I'd imagine you're working with a lot of populations
(26:44):
that really need that direct help, students, young people, refugees, and so especially
because a lot of populations that, again, really, really especially benefit from that,
I want to add that personal thank you, and for those reasons.
All right, thank you.
Any other comments from directors, seeing none, any public comment?
(27:08):
Okay, I would love to welcome all of my colleagues on the board down, since we have a kind of
a small group today for a photo.
(27:44):
I would love to, who should I hand this to?
Maybe over here?
Okay, are we perfect together?
All right.
It's kind of a smile and a burp man.
All right, here we go.
(28:05):
This is so beautiful.
Thank you.
(28:39):
Wonderful.
And if you thought you couldn't be filled with any more joy, what if I tell you that
we have yet another proclamation celebrating National Library Workers Day 2026?
Very exciting.
So what I will do, do you want to start, Jared, or do you want me to just kick it off?
Okay.
So in the absence of our fearless executive director, I'll be reading off this proclamation,
(29:06):
and I'm thrilled to do National Library Workers Day proclamation.
Whereas National Library Workers Day is observed throughout the country and in Sacramento as
a day for library staff to be recognized for the contributions they make in communities
across North America, and whereas National Library Workers Day was observed on April
21st, 2026, as part of National Library Week, a celebration which began in 1958 to highlight
(29:32):
the invaluable role libraries play in the community, and whereas National Library Workers
Day celebrates the employees who work tirelessly to transform lives and strengthen the communities
by providing vital and necessary services in literacy, education, and entertainment,
and whereas the Sacramento Public Library Authority Board expresses its admiration to
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the staff at the Sacramento Public Library, who daily strive to better our community through
improving the lives of those who use its services.
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Sacramento Public Library Authority Board does hereby
recognize the employees of the Sacramento Public Library and their dedication to the
residents of Sacramento County through their excellent programs, customer service, and
(30:14):
community building.
So let's give a big round of applause for all of our team here.
I know, obviously, we talked a lot about volunteers, but we also would not be able
to do anything that we do without all of you wonderful folks in the room who make it run
every day, and all of the ones who are not here, who work every day at all of our branches,
(30:35):
at all of the various facilities.
This is where the magic comes from, and so I just want to really thank you for your work
and dedication to the library.
And with that, Deputy Director, do you have any comments?
I just want to say thank you very much.
On behalf of everybody at the library, we really do appreciate this acknowledgement.
The library workers work very hard to provide critical services to our communities, and
(30:56):
we really appreciate it.
So thank you.
Hear, hear.
All right.
Any comments from directors?
Seeing none.
I hear a thanks.
Yes.
Any public comment?
Seeing none.
And I've been not asking about Zoom, but I'm assuming if there was someone on Zoom who
wanted to speak, he would tell me.
Okay.
Do we want to do another photo with this, or should I just hand this over?
(31:19):
I think we need another photo opportunity.
Okay.
I would love it if my colleagues would once again get their steps in and come join me.
You wouldn't need your step full yesterday.
You're going to need it today.
You work as a public library in any form or fashion.
(31:43):
You're up here.
Thank you.
That means you too.
(32:11):
Thank you.
You're welcome.
(32:38):
All right.
All right.
Thank you.
I'm going to turn it over to
Mr.
Maple.
He's not with us in the room.
He sure is with us virtually, and he will be providing item 4.1,
the executive team report.
Thank you, chair, maple.
(32:59):
Thank you.
Members of the board.
For that proclamation and the recognition of our.
Great tireless working staff.
Really appreciate that.
I wanted to highlight in our report,
that we are a part of the book one coast program,
which we as the library are part of.
This is a.
A coastal wide program, and we're honored to be part of that.
And our outreach and mobile services group,
(33:21):
which top deck represents has been tirelessly helping promote that
through the outreach events.
They did 14 outreach events this last month to promote that.
In addition,
coffees are available at our local libraries.
So if you're looking for a coffee,
You can go pick one up while supplies last.
And we're also making it available on our overdrive platform for our
(33:44):
users as well.
So we'd like to take part in that.
We encourage folks to go to our website and learn how to do more about
that.
I was going to highlight the volunteer meetup that's happening this
Saturday.
Christina already did that.
So aptly, but I'll put another plug in for it.
Our last one was really great.
And I think our folks.
We'll we'll find an enjoyable time with that.
(34:09):
And in keeping with the theme of national library month or week,
I wanted to just highlight that.
A lot of the things are our staff do outside of our,
our typical checking books that are.
Programs and 218 programs will be offered this month throughout the
system.
That's a lot of work and energy that our staff put into it.
(34:30):
And I just wanted to highlight the great work that they do.
That we try to be responsive to the needs of the community.
And I think you can see in the programs we offer that we're trying to do
our best to do that.
And being very creative and innovative as well.
Including.
The partnership that we've undertaken with the Sacramento opioid county
opioid coalition.
And in recognition of national harm reduction day on May 7th,
(34:53):
we'll be having some programs and events with their services throughout
the system.
We've, we did an event similar.
Back in December of last 2 years ago, I guess.
And it was very successful and we're hoping to continue that,
that great program.
And then in the construction front,
we have 3 major construction projects under, under, under, under way.
(35:16):
Martin Luther King library and the Elk Grove retrofit.
Those projects are both on schedule.
And we've done some walkthroughs of those,
and those are coming on really nicely.
And as well as the.
Martin Luther King.
Junior.
Sorry.
I'm going to check my head with library that is underway as well.
And that process is going along very, very speedily.
(35:39):
So we're excited to see the work that they're doing there.
And I'm happy to answer any questions that the board might have about this
report or anything else that they might have questions from me or the team
about.
All right. Thank you very much.
Looking over my colleagues, any questions or comments.
Seeing and hearing none.
Do you have any public comment on this item?
(36:01):
Seeing none.
Thank you so much for your report.
Okay.
So item 5.5.1 through 5.4 are all informational.
So I assume you have read that at your leisure.
If you have any questions, do let me know.
Otherwise we'll move on to the consent calendar.
We have a motion.
(36:22):
Second.
And a second.
Do we have any, we have a comment from director Dickinson.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Sure.
Actually, I have a question on item 6.2, Jared.
Curious what the original contract amount was.
The original contract amount was $410,000.
(36:43):
When I was first signed in 2022, over the course of this project,
it's been a major redevelopment of our website as well as our internet.
And as you know,
there have also been some additional changes that have occurred in
towards of accessibility.
So over the course of this project,
not only does it account for existing work that's been done,
but also for additional support moving forward over the next year of the
(37:04):
contract.
This is a maximum not to exceed amount of 400,000 additional does not
mean that we will actually spend that, but that is what we're asking for.
But, but it is essentially potentially doubling the contract.
Potentially.
Yes.
And then does that additional amount or did the original amount for that
matter include a service app to the extent that it might be needed after
(37:28):
going live, going with either the web service for the website or the
intranet as might be required.
Yeah.
Post-op post operation.
Yes.
Those have been put in there.
We did amend the contract in 2025 last year to make some additional
enhancements, especially for the intranet.
And so this has actually taken us into the home stretch.
(37:50):
Admittedly, whenever you do do a website redesign,
there are significant add ons that sometimes hit.
For example,
we really have stressed accessibility for this new website and its
adaptability to be able to provide additional language support as well as
assist as assistive technology needs as well.
So in all honesty, it has had the contract go up a little higher,
(38:12):
but I do think this is better for being able to provide an adaptive
website.
That's going to be able to provide a service from years on and also
provide service to all of our different users.
Well, I appreciate the elaboration.
I mean, it is a little,
it is of some concern to think that if we went back to the date,
the contract,
the bidding was done that we missed it by 50%,
(38:35):
not withstanding there've been some adjustments.
So with that caveat,
but missed it basically by a hundred percent and that.
And so maybe there's a lesson here to,
to,
to extract from this experience for future contracting purposes.
I don't,
I hope so most definitely like with any of these projects we do,
you know,
(38:56):
post implementation reviews and we do look and learn from these.
And I definitely,
there's a lot of lessons that we learned from this project and moving
forward so that we can make sure it's more solid in the future.
Thank you.
Thanks.
Great.
Great questions.
Any other directors,
including anyone online?
Okay.
Any public comment seeing and hearing none.
(39:17):
Okay.
We have a motion a second.
All those.
Oh,
please call the roll because we have a zoom.
Thank you.
Roger Dickinson.
Hi,
Karina tall Montez.
Hi,
Phil plucky bomb.
Katie Maple.
Hi,
Phil Serna,
Patrick Kennedy,
my Vang,
Rich Desmond,
Rosario Rodriguez,
Pat Hume,
Mary Jane Lopez,
Taff,
(39:38):
Rob Brewer.
Hi,
Kevin speeds.
Hi,
Tim Reed.
Hi,
Linda budge.
Rob,
Rob.
Did I call Rob Brewer?
Yes.
Sorry.
Noel Mora.
Hi,
being a left of it.
Yes.
Nick Bloyce.
Hi,
motion passes with nine minutes.
All right.
(40:00):
I can't hear you.
Go ahead.
I can't hear you.
Go ahead.
Yes.
Yes.
Nick Bloyce.
I motion passes with nine members voting.
Excellent.
Okay.
We have no action items.
So we'll move on to reports.
Ideas,
questions,
board members,
(40:21):
Georgia left of it.
I was curious about a bill that,
I'm trying to find it now,
that basically is,
would require libraries to give young people ages 16 and 17
the ability to get a library card without a parent signing for them.
(40:45):
And I belong to an association that was asked to support that bill.
And we are interested because a lot of foster youth who we advocate for,
you know,
don't have quote parents to sign.
And anyway,
so I was wondering,
Jared,
you don't have to answer this second,
but I'd love to get your feedback on that bill.
(41:07):
I am actually going to turn that one to Peter.
Peter is still on.
Okay.
Yeah.
Thank you,
director.
Yeah.
Yeah,
I mean,
I think it's a good idea and we hope to have a conversation with you about that.
There are some nuances to it that we need to understand better in light of how our library operates,
(41:32):
but it's definitely something that we're curious about and looking forward to having a conversation with you about.
Okay.
Yes,
it's Senate bill 965.
And I'm just curious to what our practices,
because I suspect it differs from county to county.
Yeah,
I don't want to misspeak in the meeting about what our policy and practices on that.
But I do know that it is an area that we can definitely look at.
(41:55):
Thank you.
Great.
Good question.
Obviously a lot happening in the legislature.
So perhaps Mr.
Coyle,
you could send out,
you know,
whatever the outcome of that is something to the full board.
So we can all be in the know about it because I'm certainly interested as well.
Okay.
With that,
I see director.
Thank you,
chair.
I just want to give a shout out to the South of Thomas library branch.
(42:16):
I always go in there when I'm stressed and I say,
Hey,
help me pick a book so that I can get my mind off of work for a little bit and
everything going on in our country.
And so I always just kind of go in there like crisis mode.
And then I say,
give me a fun book.
And they always managed to give me really good books.
And I go home and I read them and it makes me so happy.
So just kudos to the staff over there.
Really appreciate you.
(42:38):
Shout out to the South of Thomas library branch.
Okay.
And then I just want to wish everybody.
I did not know this until I opened up the internet this morning,
but happy world book day to you all.
Yes.
Our.
I follow the Sacramento history museum on Instagram and they did,
they did a post about it and it was really fun.
So I did not know that it was world book day,
(42:59):
but wishing you all a very happy one.
Okay.
Seeing,
Oh,
do we have a director budge with a comment?
Yes.
Hi.
I have a question.
I,
I sent information.
Some time ago.
About a negative incident at the barracks library.
(43:20):
And I wondered if the director or the assistant director had any
information about that.
Director budge. I, I am not sure.
I'm not sure who you sent that information to.
I have not received anything.
Okay.
(43:41):
I sent that because I didn't have your email.
So I sent it to Heather.
And asked her to forward it to you.
Okay.
Let's look into that and we'll definitely close the loop on that.
As soon as we can.
I appreciate that. Okay. Thank you.
Thank you.
Wonderful.
Okay.
Last call. Any other comments, questions, concerns.
(44:06):
Okay.
Any other ideas? Okay.
With that, we are adjourned at 3 50 PM.
Thank you.
We'll get this party started then.
(00:05):
All right, everyone, I welcome you to this meeting of the Sacramento Public Library Authority
Board.
I now call this meeting to order at 3.06 p.m.
Clerk, will you please call the roll?
Roger Dickinson?
Here.
Karina Talamantes?
Here.
Phil Pluckybaum?
Here.
Katie Maple?
Here.
Mai Vang?
Here.
(00:25):
Phil Cerna?
Here.
Patrick Kennedy?
Here.
Nazario Rodriguez?
Here.
Pat Hume?
Here.
Mary Jane Lopez-Taff?
Here.
Rod Brewer?
Here.
Kevin Spees?
Here.
Tim Reed?
Here.
Linda Budge?
Here.
Tanya Kravchuk?
Here.
(00:45):
Noel Mora?
Here.
Vena Lefkowitz?
Here.
Nick Bloisi?
Here.
And we have a quorum of eight members present.
We have a quorum.
Fabulous.
Madam Clerk, would you please read the statement?
This meeting of the Sacramento Public Library Authority is broadcast live and recorded with
(01:08):
closed captioning.
It is cablecast on Metro Cable Channel 14, the local government affairs channel on the
Comcast and DirecTV U-verse cable systems.
It is also livestreamed at metro14live.saccounty.gov.
Today's meeting will be placed Saturday, April 25th at 4 p.m. on Metro Cable Channel 14.
(01:29):
Once posted, the recording of this meeting can be viewed on demand at youtube.com slash
Metro Cable 14.
The meeting will also be recorded via Zoom.
A DVD copy will be available on request no later than two weeks following today's meeting.
The full agenda, including reports, is available on the library website at www.saclibrary.org.
(01:50):
Members of the audience wishing to address the board should complete a speaker identification
form located at the back table and give it to the clerk.
Members attending via Zoom should raise their hand in the Zoom program.
Please speak clearly when addressing the board and state your name for the record.
Comments are limited to three minutes so that everyone may be heard.
Wonderful.
(02:11):
Now, please rise if you are able for the Pledge of Allegiance.
I salute and pledge.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for
which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Alright.
(02:32):
Well, now I'll move on to public comment on matters not on the agenda.
Do we have any public comment?
Okay.
Seeing none, we'll move on to a really fun portion of the meeting, presentations.
We'll start with item 3.1, Friends of the Sacramento Public Library.
Welcome.
Hello.
(02:53):
Hello, everyone.
We have a beautiful presentation made for you all, so I'll give a second for the team
to pull that up.
My name is Devon Graves.
I serve as the vice president for the Friends of the Sacramento Public Library and happy
to report on behalf of our organization that represents community members across the region
(03:14):
that love their library.
So first thing I want to point out is that today is the start of early giving for the
Big Day of Giving, and so we are working as an organization to use these efforts to support
the summer reading team portion and book first programs that the library puts on.
(03:37):
So our fundraising efforts really are important to keep those programs doing what they do,
and we're excited for that.
And as always, we want to do the JPA challenge, and so please, members of the JPA, we ask
that you support these efforts.
The QR code is on the screen right there.
(03:59):
Take a picture with your phone.
It goes right to the donation page, and you can donate.
It takes Apple Pay, PayPal.
So we really hope the members of the JPA donate to this effort, but also if you can advertise
this to your community in your newsletters, that would be super helpful as we continue
to do this work.
(04:19):
And again, like I said, as we support these programs, the goal here is $85,000.
We've been fortunate in the last couple of years to surpass that goal, and so all efforts
promoting this work matters, and we really look forward to going into the classrooms
and delivering these books to the first graders.
(04:40):
Outside of the big Day of Giving efforts that we have going on, I did want to highlight
Chair Maple, who came and did a visit to our book den.
Chair Maple, we try to stress as much as possible, and I truly mean this with all honesty, that
was just a normal day in the book den with all those volunteers there, the customers
(05:01):
there, the only people that knew you were coming were the members of the board.
And so that's a normal day.
We extend that invitation out to everyone.
Here in these pictures, Chair Maple was checking out our different collections here, and then
also meeting some of our volunteers who work on our online sales, and so our eBay and Amazon
(05:21):
sales that really turn a good profit for us.
And then also these are some of our board members here who are committed to this work,
and we're super grateful for your visit.
And then I do have to share my personal favorite photo from that day, so I love that.
That was the test photo of the day.
And before you move on, I have to say, I'm sorry it took me so long to get there, but
(05:45):
really visiting the book den was an incredible experience.
If you haven't been already, please do take the time.
It's amazing what these volunteers are doing.
It's a completely 100% volunteer-run operation, and it's a big company, essentially.
There's thousands of books, they're sending out things on eBay, on Amazon, they've got
(06:07):
volunteers sorting in the back, they've got people shopping in the front.
I was really, really amazed.
So I appreciate the tour.
Yeah, no, thank you for coming, and it allowed me to get a good find.
My daughter, who's almost two, loves Paw Patrol right now, and so I found a nice Paw Patrol
book to get her.
It was a successful day for me as well, but thank you, and again, I send that invitation
(06:28):
to any members of the board who want to come out and check out the work that we do there.
I do want to shout out the National Volunteers Week, Library Volunteers Week.
As you know, the Friends is a volunteer organization, so we definitely appreciate that work, and
then of course, our National Library workers, who deserve all the credit for the work that
they do.
So please reach out if you have any questions regarding Big Day of Giving.
(06:49):
We look forward to your support, and that is the report of the Friends of the Sacramento
Public Library.
Wonderful.
A great report.
Do we have any comments from directors?
Any public comment?
Okay, seeing none.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Really appreciate it.
Okay.
Now we'll move on to item 3.2, Proclamation Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2026,
(07:12):
and we'll welcome up Todd or whomever would like to come.
Welcome.
Hi.
My name is Christina Conley, and I've been the system-wide volunteer coordinator for
Sacramento Public Library for about a little over the last year and a half, and this is
(07:34):
the Volunteer Services Program 2025 in Review.
I'm going to pass it over to my supervisor, Community Engagement Services Manager, Todd
Dutt, to read the proclamation for volunteers for 2025.
(07:57):
Let me get my readers.
Okay, so National Volunteer Week proclamation.
Whereas National Volunteer Week will be celebrated in public libraries throughout the country,
Sacramento County, and all the cities and communities therein from April 19, 2026 to
(08:20):
April 25, 2026, and whereas in 2025 Sacramento Public Library volunteers were able to provide
a total of 80,302 hours of service in libraries.
Examples of the volunteer services provided include adult and teen volunteers providing
22,921 hours in support of library branch operations, adult literacy volunteers providing
(08:48):
6,962 hours of tutoring for adults wanting to improve their education levels, and 42,131
volunteer hours with branch affiliates, book sorting, and sales assisting with the Book
First initiative, election support, and supporting the Bookton.
(09:10):
And whereas volunteers show their commitment to service to the community by English conversation
group facilitation, adult literacy tutoring, take and make kit assembly, data entry, shelf
reading, book sorting, book selling, job coaching, advocacy, and outreach participation,
and whereas volunteers are passionate about Sacramento Public Library and the communities
(09:34):
it serves.
Now therefore, be it resolved that the Sacramento Public Library Authority Board does hereby
proclaim April 19 through April 25, 2026 as National Volunteer Week and thanks the 1,531
volunteers who support and enhance our libraries.
(09:55):
And I will turn it back over to Christina.
She's got some great information to share.
Excellent.
Thank you, Todd.
All right, so in the next slide that I'm about to pull up, I just wanted to take a moment
to highlight the program's transition away from the question, what can our volunteers
(10:15):
do for us, as we move instead towards what can we do for our volunteers.
So we empower our volunteers to experience the following.
Skill building, volunteers have the opportunity to practice both informal and professional
social skills, organization, time management, teamwork, leadership, creativity, and technological
(10:37):
literacy.
Connection, volunteer opportunities combat social isolation in our community.
We celebrate relationship building and social emotional learning and the opportunities we
offer by encouraging collaboration during volunteer shifts.
Personal growth, volunteers set their own goals in partnership with staff in alignment
with branch goals.
(11:00):
So we had over 80,000 hours donated, as Todd just mentioned, in 2025 with a large portion
of those hours coming from the friends.
So a big thank you again to the friends.
That's pretty incredible.
And we've seen an increase over the past four years in the amount of volunteers as we've
bounced back from the pandemic closures, which is great.
(11:26):
And in these next slides, I'm especially excited to read.
So I'm going to now highlight some of our amazing and really passionate volunteers.
So this is Brianna.
She works at the North Highlands Library, and she's donated 438 hours, which is incredible.
And her quote might be my favorite.
I mean, all the quotes in here are amazing.
(11:47):
But she says, the library is a magical place.
Whatever you need, we have it.
Be yourself.
Don't be afraid, which I feel like is just like a lovely summary.
This is Joanna.
She volunteers at the South Natomas Library, and she's donated 73 hours.
I had to shorten her quote a little bit to fit in the slide, but you can find the full
quote on our website on the volunteer page.
(12:10):
But she said, if you feel frustrated with the state of the world and don't know what
to do, volunteering with the library is a great start.
Supporting your local library is supporting your local community.
This is Arnie, volunteers at the Carmichael Library and has been volunteering for a very
long time for our Read to a Dog program.
I think he might have a lot more hours that haven't been logged in our system, because
(12:36):
I'm guessing he has over 100 that have been logged, that he's volunteered, but that's
what we had logged.
So Arnie says, people always thank me for coming, but I'm the one who's thankful.
I pay to come here.
Reading with the kids is the highlight of my week.
Arnie's amazing, and so is his dog, Nixie.
I've met them both.
(12:57):
And then this is Annette, who is an adult literacy tutor and has donated 1,300 hours.
So Annette is a superstar volunteer, and she says, literacy tutoring has become a sense
of purpose for me.
I retired, and I wasn't sure what I wanted to do.
It's so important in retirement to stay social and continue to think, and so that's been
(13:19):
a real help for me.
One interesting thing about Annette is she actually volunteers in our libraries, but
also volunteers in our jails through our adult literacy program.
So although we do a lot of place-based opportunities, there's also other opportunities wherever
a need is.
(13:40):
And Annette was one of our first people to kind of seize the opportunity to go into the
jail and to improve literacy levels, so interesting to her.
Yes, thank you, Todd.
This is Maggie.
So Maggie donated 150 hours in 2025.
She was actually a department volunteer in the Community Engagement Services Department,
(14:04):
so I got to work with her on a regular basis.
And she said, the library staff have been so amazing to work with.
Everyone is so kind and supportive.
They really want you to be able to do your best work and what you are most passionate
about.
And Maggie actually just graduated with her Master's in Library and Information Science,
so she is looking to pursue librarianship as a career, which is really exciting.
(14:31):
Next we have Rachel, the Friends President, who has donated 897 hours.
And Rachel is on the left there, Pam is on the right.
They're both tabling at our first quarterly volunteer social we held in this last January,
which I will get to in a minute.
Rachel says, I was working as a book den cashier, and on a Saturday afternoon, a little
(14:55):
girl came up to the checkout desk with a stack of six Nancy Drew volumes.
Her proud father followed with six more.
His daughter was purchasing the dozen Nancy Drews with her allowance savings.
Her excitement and delight in finding and being able to make these books her own is
a memory I will never forget.
And for me, it cemented the purpose and blessing that the book den and Friends represent.
(15:17):
Which is a really, really beautiful story.
Pam, who is the Friends Book Den Champion, with over 12,000 hours volunteered, she is
a superstar.
So Pam said that, volunteering was the one thing I knew I needed to do when I retired.
The Friends and the book den showed up on my radar and seemed the perfect fit.
(15:41):
I had no idea I would be so involved with getting books to children, but that has been
my favorite thing to do.
It doesn't hurt that I am surrounded by the best people and we have the best customers.
That makes me extremely happy that I chose the Friends and the book den to volunteer.
Doesn't hurt that my daughter is a librarian.
And next, we have two guests today.
(16:03):
So I'd like to invite up the two really amazing volunteer job coaches we have.
So Carolyn and Spencer.
And yeah, Carolyn, if maybe you want to go first and then Spencer after that.
Thank you so much.
Welcome.
Good afternoon.
I'm Carolyn Spader and I volunteer at the library as an interview advisor because it
(16:23):
allows me to use the knowledge and experience I've built over the years in a way that directly
benefits others.
Many people in the community are actively seeking guidance, whether they're entering
the workforce for the first time, changing careers, or reentering the workforce after
a break.
Being able to offer practical advice, help them refine their communication, and build
(16:46):
their confidence for interviews, both meaningful and rewarding to me.
It's fulfilling to know that even small insights or encouragement can make a real difference
in someone's opportunities.
As a retiree, this role gives me a strong sense of purpose and connection.
Staying active in the community and contributing in a tangible way helps me feel useful and
(17:12):
engaged.
I enjoy meeting new people, hearing their stories, and supporting their goals.
Volunteering in this capacity is not only about sharing skills, it's about giving back,
staying connected, and making a positive impact, which brings me a great deal of personal satisfaction.
(17:33):
Thank you.
Hi, my name is Spencer Goodhart, and I'm going to follow that up with a much smaller letter.
Getting to be a job coach through the Sacramento Library has been a wonderful experience, allowing
me to work with people from all walks of life to help them obtain the skills they need in
(17:53):
order to pursue the careers they want.
I've helped provide key interview, resume building, and job hunting tools that have
shown solid results with clients.
My goal as a job coach is to help reduce anxiety around job hunting.
As many clients I've worked with are young or have little experience with cruising the
job market, a road we all know can be especially bumpy.
(18:15):
Being a coach for the Sacramento Public Library makes me feel like I'm having a real impact
and helps me connect with the community in ways I find fulfilling and engaging.
I want to extend a thank you to Christina for helping put this program together and
also for her continued support.
Thank you.
(18:35):
Thank you both so much.
I asked them both to come here today because I really believe that they are great examples
of the volunteer program and just very compassionate, kind people that are supporting our community,
which is amazing.
So if anyone has questions on how volunteers can apply, that is the website address, but
(18:59):
people are also welcome to email me at volunteer at saclibrary.org.
I'm always more than happy to walk people through the application process.
And this is one of my favorite slides.
So like I mentioned, we have started hosting quarterly volunteer socials.
And so January was our first one that we held, and really we just want to focus on building
(19:24):
connection and community with our volunteer program.
We believe that socialization is a really big component as to why people volunteer,
and so providing people an opportunity to connect and get to know one another and also
just celebrate all the hard work they do is something that we really value.
So we had a lot of attendees show up.
A lot of people showed up 30 minutes early, which was really cool, and everyone was very
(19:46):
engaged with the activities.
And we're actually hosting our next one this Saturday at the Bell Coolidge Library from
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
So if anyone wants to come, it's going to be really fun.
And in closing, our program is designed to support our community members' goals.
(20:07):
Through skill building, connection, and personal growth, our volunteers have the opportunity
to find and pursue new passions and build lasting relationships.
We view our volunteers as both community partners and library advocates, and we celebrate their
successes.
I did want to mention on your tables, Todd placed some volunteer appreciation swag that
(20:28):
we shared with our volunteers this year, which includes a Sacramento-themed bandana with
a design that I drew and colored myself because I wanted to share my personal gratitude with
our volunteers for all that they do.
It's beautiful.
Thank you.
Yes.
Thank you.
And we also include a copy of our One Book, One Coast program's featured book, George
Takei's They Called Us Enemy.
(20:50):
And thank you for your time.
Wonderful.
Please join me in giving them and the friends and all of our volunteers a big round of applause.
Really, really grateful for all the work that you do every day because we certainly couldn't
do it without you.
With that, I see we have Director Dickinson.
Come on up.
(21:12):
Thank you, Chair.
And I thank you for the presentation.
I want to join in expressing gratitude to all the volunteers.
You know, one of the things you learn over time when you serve in an elective office,
and whether it's the county, the library, the city, wherever it is, without the volunteers,
(21:33):
the operations would be about half as good as they are.
Volunteers I think have such an incredible impact that they don't even realize how profound
that effect is and how much it helps members of the public.
But one thing I wanted to actually ask, there used to be essentially a graduation ceremony
(21:57):
for those who had gone through the literacy program and learned to read.
Does that still happen?
I'm going to let Todd answer that because I think he knows a little bit more about it.
So we do an in-person career online high school graduation.
It happens every September, and it's an opportunity for graduates of the program to celebrate
(22:19):
with their friends and family the accomplishment of getting their high school diploma.
Oh, okay.
So maybe this is a little bit different.
The library did have a program that helped people of any age learn to read, that basic
literacy for folks who were literally illiterate.
(22:42):
And so is that not a program that's sponsored anymore?
No, we absolutely still have our adult literacy program.
It's actually volunteer run also, and we support it through trainings and tutor-volunteer match-ups.
So Annette, who was one of the featured volunteers, actually represents that program very well.
Well, that's what made me think of it was seeing the slide with Annette.
(23:04):
So there used to be, in essence, a graduation for the people who had completed the course
and had learned to read.
Is that still done?
So we do not have a graduation for that type of project for it, but I love the suggestion
(23:24):
of throwing some sort of party or celebration.
We definitely can consider that for next year.
I would encourage it, because when I was on this board in my previous incarnation, I went
to that sometimes, and if you restore it, I encourage all the board members to go, because
(23:46):
it is such an amazing occasion.
The pride that people have in learning to read is just overwhelming.
It really is astounding.
People who would pick this up at the beginning, and they couldn't read it, and then they learned
(24:11):
to read, and they are so proud, they are so happy, and that is so contagious.
It is absolutely remarkable.
It was one of my favorite events, and it was through the library.
It may have gone away with COVID, but we definitely can look at opportunities to bring it back.
I appreciate it.
(24:31):
I think it would be great, but as I say, if you do, then be sure and tell the board members,
so at least hopefully some of them can get there and enjoy the event, because it is one
of the best days.
Or sign up to be a literacy tutor.
We need more tutors.
Thanks, Chair.
All right.
Thank you.
(24:51):
Director Lefkowitz.
Yeah, very exciting, the work you are doing.
Quick question, questions about the tutoring of younger people, like what age groups are
you tutoring?
So currently our adult literacy program focuses on, I believe, 18 and up, but I hope I'm not
(25:14):
misspeaking here.
I think that we do have opportunities for people who are about to turn 18 to do the
career online high school, but they have to be within like a certain amount of months
of turning 18, I believe.
Oh, I was hearing that you have volunteers reading to children, so that's what I was
assuming.
You had a tutoring program for the kids, but it sounds like it's a different thing.
(25:36):
Yeah, yeah, a separate thing, yeah.
And the programs that specifically reference reading to kids, that's a very unique program,
which is the Read to a Dog program, which happens at a few libraries throughout the
system, and it's amazing.
And do you have to be 18 to tutor, or can you be a high school kid who's skilled at
(26:00):
whatever and tutoring?
I believe you do have to be 18 to be a tutor, yeah.
Okay, thank you, but exciting work, thanks so much.
That's actually a really interesting question.
Fun fact about me, I was an English tutor at Yuba College, but I was 16, and I was teaching
essays and writing for them, and so I wonder if that's something we should look into about,
(26:24):
because there's a lot of really talented, perhaps young people that might be really
interested in volunteering.
Director Mora.
Okay, I just wanted to add to the thank yous, and also because I know it sounds like a lot
of the programs, especially with job coaching, I'd imagine you're working with a lot of populations
(26:44):
that really need that direct help, students, young people, refugees, and so especially
because a lot of populations that, again, really, really especially benefit from that,
I want to add that personal thank you, and for those reasons.
All right, thank you.
Any other comments from directors, seeing none, any public comment?
(27:08):
Okay, I would love to welcome all of my colleagues on the board down, since we have a kind of
a small group today for a photo.
(27:44):
I would love to, who should I hand this to?
Maybe over here?
Okay, are we perfect together?
All right.
It's kind of a smile and a burp man.
All right, here we go.
(28:05):
This is so beautiful.
Thank you.
(28:39):
Wonderful.
And if you thought you couldn't be filled with any more joy, what if I tell you that
we have yet another proclamation celebrating National Library Workers Day 2026?
Very exciting.
So what I will do, do you want to start, Jared, or do you want me to just kick it off?
Okay.
So in the absence of our fearless executive director, I'll be reading off this proclamation,
(29:06):
and I'm thrilled to do National Library Workers Day proclamation.
Whereas National Library Workers Day is observed throughout the country and in Sacramento as
a day for library staff to be recognized for the contributions they make in communities
across North America, and whereas National Library Workers Day was observed on April
21st, 2026, as part of National Library Week, a celebration which began in 1958 to highlight
(29:32):
the invaluable role libraries play in the community, and whereas National Library Workers
Day celebrates the employees who work tirelessly to transform lives and strengthen the communities
by providing vital and necessary services in literacy, education, and entertainment,
and whereas the Sacramento Public Library Authority Board expresses its admiration to
(29:53):
the staff at the Sacramento Public Library, who daily strive to better our community through
improving the lives of those who use its services.
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Sacramento Public Library Authority Board does hereby
recognize the employees of the Sacramento Public Library and their dedication to the
residents of Sacramento County through their excellent programs, customer service, and
(30:14):
community building.
So let's give a big round of applause for all of our team here.
I know, obviously, we talked a lot about volunteers, but we also would not be able
to do anything that we do without all of you wonderful folks in the room who make it run
every day, and all of the ones who are not here, who work every day at all of our branches,
(30:35):
at all of the various facilities.
This is where the magic comes from, and so I just want to really thank you for your work
and dedication to the library.
And with that, Deputy Director, do you have any comments?
I just want to say thank you very much.
On behalf of everybody at the library, we really do appreciate this acknowledgement.
The library workers work very hard to provide critical services to our communities, and
(30:56):
we really appreciate it.
So thank you.
Hear, hear.
All right.
Any comments from directors?
Seeing none.
I hear a thanks.
Yes.
Any public comment?
Seeing none.
And I've been not asking about Zoom, but I'm assuming if there was someone on Zoom who
wanted to speak, he would tell me.
Okay.
Do we want to do another photo with this, or should I just hand this over?
(31:19):
I think we need another photo opportunity.
Okay.
I would love it if my colleagues would once again get their steps in and come join me.
You wouldn't need your step full yesterday.
You're going to need it today.
You work as a public library in any form or fashion.
(31:43):
You're up here.
Thank you.
That means you too.
(32:11):
Thank you.
You're welcome.
(32:38):
All right.
All right.
Thank you.
I'm going to turn it over to
Mr.
Maple.
He's not with us in the room.
He sure is with us virtually, and he will be providing item 4.1,
the executive team report.
Thank you, chair, maple.
(32:59):
Thank you.
Members of the board.
For that proclamation and the recognition of our.
Great tireless working staff.
Really appreciate that.
I wanted to highlight in our report,
that we are a part of the book one coast program,
which we as the library are part of.
This is a.
A coastal wide program, and we're honored to be part of that.
And our outreach and mobile services group,
(33:21):
which top deck represents has been tirelessly helping promote that
through the outreach events.
They did 14 outreach events this last month to promote that.
In addition,
coffees are available at our local libraries.
So if you're looking for a coffee,
You can go pick one up while supplies last.
And we're also making it available on our overdrive platform for our
(33:44):
users as well.
So we'd like to take part in that.
We encourage folks to go to our website and learn how to do more about
that.
I was going to highlight the volunteer meetup that's happening this
Saturday.
Christina already did that.
So aptly, but I'll put another plug in for it.
Our last one was really great.
And I think our folks.
We'll we'll find an enjoyable time with that.
(34:09):
And in keeping with the theme of national library month or week,
I wanted to just highlight that.
A lot of the things are our staff do outside of our,
our typical checking books that are.
Programs and 218 programs will be offered this month throughout the
system.
That's a lot of work and energy that our staff put into it.
(34:30):
And I just wanted to highlight the great work that they do.
That we try to be responsive to the needs of the community.
And I think you can see in the programs we offer that we're trying to do
our best to do that.
And being very creative and innovative as well.
Including.
The partnership that we've undertaken with the Sacramento opioid county
opioid coalition.
And in recognition of national harm reduction day on May 7th,
(34:53):
we'll be having some programs and events with their services throughout
the system.
We've, we did an event similar.
Back in December of last 2 years ago, I guess.
And it was very successful and we're hoping to continue that,
that great program.
And then in the construction front,
we have 3 major construction projects under, under, under, under way.
(35:16):
Martin Luther King library and the Elk Grove retrofit.
Those projects are both on schedule.
And we've done some walkthroughs of those,
and those are coming on really nicely.
And as well as the.
Martin Luther King.
Junior.
Sorry.
I'm going to check my head with library that is underway as well.
And that process is going along very, very speedily.
(35:39):
So we're excited to see the work that they're doing there.
And I'm happy to answer any questions that the board might have about this
report or anything else that they might have questions from me or the team
about.
All right. Thank you very much.
Looking over my colleagues, any questions or comments.
Seeing and hearing none.
Do you have any public comment on this item?
(36:01):
Seeing none.
Thank you so much for your report.
Okay.
So item 5.5.1 through 5.4 are all informational.
So I assume you have read that at your leisure.
If you have any questions, do let me know.
Otherwise we'll move on to the consent calendar.
We have a motion.
(36:22):
Second.
And a second.
Do we have any, we have a comment from director Dickinson.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Sure.
Actually, I have a question on item 6.2, Jared.
Curious what the original contract amount was.
The original contract amount was $410,000.
(36:43):
When I was first signed in 2022, over the course of this project,
it's been a major redevelopment of our website as well as our internet.
And as you know,
there have also been some additional changes that have occurred in
towards of accessibility.
So over the course of this project,
not only does it account for existing work that's been done,
but also for additional support moving forward over the next year of the
(37:04):
contract.
This is a maximum not to exceed amount of 400,000 additional does not
mean that we will actually spend that, but that is what we're asking for.
But, but it is essentially potentially doubling the contract.
Potentially.
Yes.
And then does that additional amount or did the original amount for that
matter include a service app to the extent that it might be needed after
(37:28):
going live, going with either the web service for the website or the
intranet as might be required.
Yeah.
Post-op post operation.
Yes.
Those have been put in there.
We did amend the contract in 2025 last year to make some additional
enhancements, especially for the intranet.
And so this has actually taken us into the home stretch.
(37:50):
Admittedly, whenever you do do a website redesign,
there are significant add ons that sometimes hit.
For example,
we really have stressed accessibility for this new website and its
adaptability to be able to provide additional language support as well as
assist as assistive technology needs as well.
So in all honesty, it has had the contract go up a little higher,
(38:12):
but I do think this is better for being able to provide an adaptive
website.
That's going to be able to provide a service from years on and also
provide service to all of our different users.
Well, I appreciate the elaboration.
I mean, it is a little,
it is of some concern to think that if we went back to the date,
the contract,
the bidding was done that we missed it by 50%,
(38:35):
not withstanding there've been some adjustments.
So with that caveat,
but missed it basically by a hundred percent and that.
And so maybe there's a lesson here to,
to,
to extract from this experience for future contracting purposes.
I don't,
I hope so most definitely like with any of these projects we do,
you know,
(38:56):
post implementation reviews and we do look and learn from these.
And I definitely,
there's a lot of lessons that we learned from this project and moving
forward so that we can make sure it's more solid in the future.
Thank you.
Thanks.
Great.
Great questions.
Any other directors,
including anyone online?
Okay.
Any public comment seeing and hearing none.
(39:17):
Okay.
We have a motion a second.
All those.
Oh,
please call the roll because we have a zoom.
Thank you.
Roger Dickinson.
Hi,
Karina tall Montez.
Hi,
Phil plucky bomb.
Katie Maple.
Hi,
Phil Serna,
Patrick Kennedy,
my Vang,
Rich Desmond,
Rosario Rodriguez,
Pat Hume,
Mary Jane Lopez,
Taff,
(39:38):
Rob Brewer.
Hi,
Kevin speeds.
Hi,
Tim Reed.
Hi,
Linda budge.
Rob,
Rob.
Did I call Rob Brewer?
Yes.
Sorry.
Noel Mora.
Hi,
being a left of it.
Yes.
Nick Bloyce.
Hi,
motion passes with nine minutes.
All right.
(40:00):
I can't hear you.
Go ahead.
I can't hear you.
Go ahead.
Yes.
Yes.
Nick Bloyce.
I motion passes with nine members voting.
Excellent.
Okay.
We have no action items.
So we'll move on to reports.
Ideas,
questions,
board members,
(40:21):
Georgia left of it.
I was curious about a bill that,
I'm trying to find it now,
that basically is,
would require libraries to give young people ages 16 and 17
the ability to get a library card without a parent signing for them.
(40:45):
And I belong to an association that was asked to support that bill.
And we are interested because a lot of foster youth who we advocate for,
you know,
don't have quote parents to sign.
And anyway,
so I was wondering,
Jared,
you don't have to answer this second,
but I'd love to get your feedback on that bill.
(41:07):
I am actually going to turn that one to Peter.
Peter is still on.
Okay.
Yeah.
Thank you,
director.
Yeah.
Yeah,
I mean,
I think it's a good idea and we hope to have a conversation with you about that.
There are some nuances to it that we need to understand better in light of how our library operates,
(41:32):
but it's definitely something that we're curious about and looking forward to having a conversation with you about.
Okay.
Yes,
it's Senate bill 965.
And I'm just curious to what our practices,
because I suspect it differs from county to county.
Yeah,
I don't want to misspeak in the meeting about what our policy and practices on that.
But I do know that it is an area that we can definitely look at.
(41:55):
Thank you.
Great.
Good question.
Obviously a lot happening in the legislature.
So perhaps Mr.
Coyle,
you could send out,
you know,
whatever the outcome of that is something to the full board.
So we can all be in the know about it because I'm certainly interested as well.
Okay.
With that,
I see director.
Thank you,
chair.
I just want to give a shout out to the South of Thomas library branch.
(42:16):
I always go in there when I'm stressed and I say,
Hey,
help me pick a book so that I can get my mind off of work for a little bit and
everything going on in our country.
And so I always just kind of go in there like crisis mode.
And then I say,
give me a fun book.
And they always managed to give me really good books.
And I go home and I read them and it makes me so happy.
So just kudos to the staff over there.
Really appreciate you.
(42:38):
Shout out to the South of Thomas library branch.
Okay.
And then I just want to wish everybody.
I did not know this until I opened up the internet this morning,
but happy world book day to you all.
Yes.
Our.
I follow the Sacramento history museum on Instagram and they did,
they did a post about it and it was really fun.
So I did not know that it was world book day,
(42:59):
but wishing you all a very happy one.
Okay.
Seeing,
Oh,
do we have a director budge with a comment?
Yes.
Hi.
I have a question.
I,
I sent information.
Some time ago.
About a negative incident at the barracks library.
(43:20):
And I wondered if the director or the assistant director had any
information about that.
Director budge. I, I am not sure.
I'm not sure who you sent that information to.
I have not received anything.
Okay.
(43:41):
I sent that because I didn't have your email.
So I sent it to Heather.
And asked her to forward it to you.
Okay.
Let's look into that and we'll definitely close the loop on that.
As soon as we can.
I appreciate that. Okay. Thank you.
Thank you.
Wonderful.
Okay.
Last call. Any other comments, questions, concerns.
(44:06):
Okay.
Any other ideas? Okay.
With that, we are adjourned at 3 50 PM.
Thank you.
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