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Palo Alto librarians describe expanded programs, outreach and services for underserved residents
Summary
Library staff described post-pandemic recovery, community programs, multilingual collections, technology services, cultural celebrations and outreach to homebound and immigrant residents at the Sept. 11 Human Relations Commission meeting.
Gayatri Kontin, director of Library Services, and library staff presented the Palo Alto libraries’ program and outreach work and answered commissioners’ questions during the Sept. 11 Human Relations Commission meeting.
Kontin said the libraries have expanded beyond traditional collections to serve as “community connectors,” providing public programs, technology access, and wellness services. She quoted a New York Times line during the presentation to describe the modern library’s role: “As local safety nets shriveled, the library roof magically expanded from umbrella to tarp to circus tent to airplane hangar,” which she used to emphasize the library’s expanded public-services role. Division head Julie…
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