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Community mapping finds demand for more hours, youth services as branches reopen
Summary
Library staff presented results from a community mapping effort showing priorities for access, cleanliness, bilingual staff and youth programming; staff outlined a phased plan to publish a public report and expand branch days toward a four-day schedule by July.
Erica reported the library’s community mapping findings and next steps, emphasizing hours, youth services and cleanliness as top community priorities. Speaking to the joint meeting, Erica said the project used surveys, community conversations, focus groups and pop-up outreach and that staff are preparing a public-facing four-page summary and a fuller insight report for stakeholders.
Erica summarized the findings: “SNPL is a trusted civic anchor. Access, safety, and youth services are top priorities,” she said. Staff told the board that demand in many areas exceeds current capacity, especially for evening and Saturday hours. The presentation noted gaps in participation — youth and some communities of color were underrepresented in survey responses — and recommended targeted outreach to capture those voices during the next co-design phase.
The secretary’s report also covered branch reopening logistics and staffing: staff were acknowledged at the City Council for reopening Fair View and Ocean Park, each opening day drew large public attendance, and the department currently has roughly seven to nine vacancies among librarian and library assistant positions while continuing recruitments.
Staff outlined next steps: finalize the report (the detailed insight report and a four-page visual summary), present findings internally and to community partners, and move into strategic priority-setting and co-design with an implementation aim of opening branches four days a week by July and continuing to expand hours thereafter.
Votes at a glance: The board approved the January 15 minutes on the consent calendar (motion by Vice Chair Lynn, second by Member Daniel Cody; unanimous 'yes' votes recorded).
