The September 15, 2025, meeting of the Mountain View Board of Library Trustees focused on the library's significant growth in program attendance and the strategic initiatives undertaken to enhance community engagement.
The meeting began with a report highlighting that total library program attendance surged to approximately 34,000, a notable increase from 25,000 the previous year. This rise of nearly 10,000 attendees was attributed to several factors, including a targeted marketing campaign and active outreach by librarians to promote summer reading programs in local schools.
The report detailed various successful programs, noting that children's outdoor events attracted between 300 to 400 participants, with one event exceeding 400 attendees. Adult programs, particularly those related to science, also saw strong attendance, with NASA-themed events drawing 50 to 60 participants.
In an effort to provide transparency and align with the city council's strategic priorities, the library introduced a new breakdown of programs by categories such as early childhood literacy, finance, health and wellness, and multicultural initiatives. For instance, 58 multicultural programs were held, and 53 programs focused on sustainability and livability, collectively attracting nearly 8,000 attendees. Noteworthy sustainability initiatives included gardening programs and a twice-held plant exchange, which typically occurs annually.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the importance of tracking program effectiveness and community interest, emphasizing the library's commitment to meeting the diverse needs of Mountain View residents. The board expressed optimism about continuing to build on this momentum in future programming efforts.