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Garden, Spirit Van and library reports highlight community programs; council adopts Library Week proclamation
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Summary
Community groups briefed the council on education and service programs: the Lafayette Community Garden reported 111 member families and outreach activities, Spirit Van marked its 20th anniversary and announced two replacement vehicles funded by a Section 5310 grant, and the county library presented a strategic update; the council adopted a Library Week proclamation unanimously.
Janet Thomas, founder and co‑director of the Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center, described the garden’s 15‑year history, operations and community programming. Thomas said the garden has 111 member families with a waiting list of more than 20, pays annual rent to East Bay Mudd (about $2,500), partners with groups such as the Contra Costa Master Gardeners and Mount Diablo Beekeepers, operates 41 biointensive beds and 12 beehives, and offers regular education programs and field trips for local third graders. Thomas invited residents to an open house on May 17 and noted a Republic Services‑co‑sponsored talk on food waste on May 14.
Ricky, representing La Mirinda Spirit Van (the City of Lafayette senior transportation program), told the council the program received operating assistance and funding for two replacement vehicles under a Section 5310 application and continues to receive $20,000 annually from the town of Moraga. Volunteers and riders thanked the program during public comment; volunteer Susie Pack and virtual speaker Rick Sheldon emphasized the program’s role in keeping older residents connected and encouraged new driver volunteers.
Rob, representing the Contra Costa County Library, presented the library’s annual update and Lafayette‑specific data: countywide circulation increased about 9% (digital up 39%); Lafayette recorded roughly 221,000 annual visitors using a new people‑counting system; summer reading participation in Lafayette rose ~16%; and Friends of the Lafayette Library donated approximately $40,000 for materials. The council moved to adopt a proclamation for Library Week; the motion passed unanimously and the proclamation will be presented to library staff.
No formal policy changes or budget allocations were made during these presentations; council members thanked volunteers, staff and partner organizations for their work.
