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Daly City libraries report DCPLA-funded maker gear, expanded "library of things" and strong hotspot demand
Summary
Library staff reported DCPLA-funded purchases including a 3D printer and low-power laser cutter, pilot STEM kits and games, a new hiking backpack in the library of things, and high demand for hotspots and state park passes.
At the regular May 21 meeting, Daly City library staff described recent purchases paid for by the Daly City Public Library Associates (DCPLA) and usage trends for the system'wide "library of things." Trustees heard that DCPLA funds were allocated for a mobile maker kit (including a 3D printer and a low-power laser cutter), games and puzzles intended for circulation, and STEM kits for school programs.
Jayla Anderson said she had already used the 3D printer as a demo at a senior-center resource fair at Pacelli Gym, noting that many attendees had not encountered the technology before. Anderson described the laser cutter as a low-power craft device and said staff are still finalizing some purchases and circulation procedures for nontraditional items.
The board also received circulation data for the library of things. Anderson reported 77 county park pass checkouts and 445 state park pass checkouts so far, and said the system holds about 225,000 items total with roughly 350,000 annual circulations. Technology items were the highest movers: in the first 10 months of the fiscal year, hotspots circulated 904 times, Chromebooks 334 times and Launchpads 227 times. Anderson added that San Mateo County Libraries will sometimes fulfill holds for hotspots, which helps availability.
Trustees saw a recent addition to the collection: an "adventure backpack" that includes walking sticks, binoculars, a magnifying glass, a poncho and field guides for local hikes. Anderson noted the backpacks have circulated twice since launch and that sustainability kits (provided by the San Mateo County Office of Sustainability) are also available for checkout.
DCPLA-funded game and puzzle circulation is under review; staff have formed a task force to study checkout and maintenance practices but have not made purchases yet. Anderson said staff are working to identify the right outreach events to showcase the mobile maker equipment and to expand awareness of the library of things through social media and city newsletters.
The board did not take action requiring additional funding during the meeting; staff said they would continue to implement and pilot the new items.
