Santa Clara council adopts library strategic plan and 20-year facilities master plan

The Santa Clara City Council voted to approve an updated library strategic plan and a facilities master plan designed to guide library services and building improvements over the next two decades.

City Librarian Patty Wong told the council the documents are the product of two years of community engagement and staff work. The strategic plan focuses on three priorities: increasing community connection through partnerships and marketing; improving organizational capacity through staffing, policies and training; and preparing services for future needs such as digital literacy and expanded community-room access. "The community was very clear in our priorities," Wong said, noting Sunday hours were recently added and a Measure I tranche will support near-term design work.

The facilities master plan contains property condition assessments, estimated pricing and funding strategies tied to Measure I. Wong said the plan recommends preserving services at all existing branches, improving Northside branch capacity if projected growth materializes, and possible design changes at Mission branch with review by the Historical Landmarks Commission. The plan also proposes a "library of things," makerspace ideas and expanded technology and genealogy services.

Council members asked about funding, homeless services and digital outreach. Finance and library staff said the plan anticipates Measure I and a mix of philanthropic and public-private funding; library staff described partnerships with nonprofits and existing outreach to serve unhoused residents. "We are very aware of homelessness and are bringing resources in partnership with nonprofits," Wong said.

Jonathan Evans, chair of the Board of Library Trustees, commended the documents while urging careful review of proposed Mission branch floor-plan changes to avoid harming notable mid-century architecture.

Councilmember Hardy moved to approve the strategic and facilities plans "in substantially the forms presented"; Vice Mayor Gonzales seconded. The measure passed with the vote recorded as five in favor of those present. The city said staff will return with implementation steps, a budget schedule and ongoing progress reporting.