San Mateo County Libraries touts rising use in Pacifica, launches memory lab at Sharp Park

Hillary Ake, Pacifica’s newly installed community library manager for San Mateo County Libraries, presented the system’s 2024–25 annual report to the City Council, highlighting heavy use across programs and the rollout of a new five‑year strategic plan.

Ake said the system recorded 1,700,000 visits and 2,400,000 circulated items in the fiscal year, with 250,000 active cardholders countywide. In Pacifica she reported more than 79,000 branch visits, over 230,000 items circulated, and program attendance above 13,000. "We listen to our community and create responsive services and spaces where everyone belongs," Ake said.

The presentation detailed new and expanded services: a permanent memory lab at the Sharp Park branch to digitize analog media (VHS, cassette, floppy disks and film); expanded hotspot and laptop lending; a monthly veterans resource table at Sharp Park; and after‑school science clubs developed with partners. Ake also described a new "digital literacy hub" offering 1‑on‑1 tech help for 15 hours weekly.

Council members thanked Ake and staff and asked about volunteer opportunities and accessibility services for visually impaired patrons. Ake pointed to smcl.org and the library’s volunteer platform, Better Impact, and noted computer accessibility tools, braille holdings, and adaptive technology at branches.

The council, staff and residents emphasized local partnerships — the Pacifica School District, volunteers and the Friends of the Pacifica Library — and noted the potential to build on community outreach at festivals and events. There were no formal actions attached to the presentation.

Pacifica’s library board and volunteers will continue to coordinate local programming and outreach; Ake said staff will share details about volunteer signups and the memory lab appointment process.