The first library outpost located in Pacifica, CA (Credit: SMCL Blogs)
In the Strategic Plan (2025 to 2030) for San Mateo County Library, there are a lot of exciting changes that will help the community of San Mateo grow and build into a brighter future. Seeing things up front as a librarian aide (extra-help) has given me a new perspective on what I want to build upon in my career. What I really appreciate is providing excellent customer service in the front desk, learning how to shelve, and being able to empathize with patrons through efficient problem solving and patience.
The strategic plan starts off with Anne-Marie Despain (Director), who brings up the importance of community and San Mateo County Libraries being a diverse and welcoming environment for all patrons (SMCL, n.d.). This is a great introduction because libraries are a beacon of light and connection, whether that be the young, or the old. As for the process, the goals includes new ways to empathize and compassionately understand the community of San Mateo, reach out to broader populations who don’t access to go to the library, fostering ownership with staff and stakeholders, focusing on equity through intentional goals (and aiming high), and finally inspiration through the work that serving the community brings towards the future (SMCL, n.d.). These are obtainable benchmarks because it highlights the previous strategic plan and what was accomplished, while maintaining the work ahead and innovate. One final takeaway that was important in the strategic plan was implementation through information and data that will help evaluate the effectiveness of the actions, course correct (if necessary) and focusing on advancing the current strategic plan through evolution and collaboration within the next 5 years (SMCL, n.d.).
Finally, to close the blog on a positive note, one area to highlight is the expansion towards a new library in East Palo Alto. This is a huge moment because a bigger library means more resources and more ways to welcome the community such as new activities, new resources, and innovative ways to bring solutions to the table. If there is one specific thing that I’m looking forward to, it will be the kitchen because at some point in my life I will need to learn how to cook (EPA Library, n.d.). The goal for the new library will take at least another year by the end of Spring 2026 (EPA Library, n.d.). I hope to be a part of that vision one day!
References
Communications, L. (2024, July 10). Introducing Our First Library Outpost!. San Mateo County Blogs. Retrieved February 24, 2025 from https://smcl.org/blogs/post/introducing-our-first-library-outpost-presentamos-nuestro-primer-outpost-de-la-biblioteca/
Kao, C. (2022, April 20). New East Palo Alto Library Planned Next to EPACENTER at 1950 Bay Road. East Palo Alto Sun. Retrieved February 24, 2025 from https://epasun.org/new-east-palo-alto-library-planned-next-to-epacenter-at-1950-bay-road/
East Palo Alto is Getting a New Library! (n.d). San Mateo County Libraries. Retrieved February 24, 2025 from https://www.epalibrary.org/
Strategic Plan 2025-2030. (n.d). San Mateo County Libraries. Retrieved February 24, 2025 from https://smcl.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/02/9×7-sp-eng-final.pdf