Jeff Gibson, the new manager of the Millbrae Library branch of the San Mateo County Libraries, presented the system’s fiscal 2024–25 annual report to the City Council on Oct. 14 and highlighted rising demand and a new five‑year strategic plan.

Gibson, who began as Millbrae branch manager the previous month, reported countywide totals of about 1.7 million visitors, 2.4 million items circulated and 11,600 programs and events during the year. The system recorded nearly 250,000 active cardholders and about 2.8 million website visits. Device lending rose substantially: almost 42,000 laptop checkouts, 23,343 hotspot loans and about 4 million library Wi‑Fi sessions.

Nut graf: Locally, Millbrae Library recorded more than 230,000 visitors and circulated over 380,000 items. Program attendance at the Millbrae branch reached more than 28,000, and the library expanded outreach through events such as festivals, school visits and targeted workshops including Mandarin‑language digital literacy classes.

Gibson reviewed new strategic goals — to listen, connect, discover and engage — and said the library system launched a new five‑year strategic plan and updated its mission statement to “together, we build meaningful connections and inspire lifelong curiosity.” He highlighted local programs such as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, 55‑plus field trips and Maker Mobile outreach at Giants Library Night.

Councilmembers thanked Gibson and praised the county partnership that runs the Millbrae branch. Gibson told the council the branch welcomes 14,274 new cardholders in the year and that staff will continue exploring topics such as integrating artificial intelligence into programs and services; he said the library has a committee examining AI workshops and staff usage.

Ending: Council welcomed Gibson as the new library manager and thanked county staff and volunteers for services that support seniors, students and families. No formal council action was taken on the report.