Supervisor Speier Provides Funding for Library Grants to Build Community

Redwood City- Supervisor Jackie Speier will provide a total of $50,000 in grant funding to county libraries to encourage community-building programs. The Measure K funded grants will be available for each of the 35 library outlets with a maximum of $5,000 per outlet. The resolution was passed 4-0 during the Board of Supervisors meeting on June 10 (Supervisor Corzo was absent).

"These programs will bring people of all ages and backgrounds together in trusted environments where they can explore and learn together, find common ground and connection," Supervisor Speier said. "The programs will underscore the principle at the heart of our library systems: everyone is welcome at a library."

She continued, "My hope is that these programs will draw people who may feel disconnected from the larger community due to age, isolation, language barriers, economic disparities, or disability. About 20 percent of people over 65 live alone in San Mateo County. Activities typically not expected at libraries like fixit clinics or senior afternoon teas can help reduce isolation. It is easy to talk to strangers at libraries and build social connection. Evidence shows that people engaged in their community are healthier and have increased chances of weathering emergencies."

Speier emphasized that she is providing district-discretionary Measure K funds for countywide services. The Peninsula Library System is a consortium of eight public library jurisdictions and three community college libraries, with a total of 35 libraries in the cities and in the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County. Of the approximately 720,000 San Mateo County residents, over 555,000 have library cards.

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