Branching Out Our libraries are spaces for curiosity, learning and new experiences, including exploration of the natural world. This year, we invited our communities to explore how environmental issues connect to daily life, health and neighborhoods. Partnering with Canopy, a local nonprofit dedicated to growing the urban tree canopy, we brought climate-focused discovery directly to our libraries. These featured bilingual gardening workshops, tree walks, climate justice presentations and community listening sessions in socioeconomically diverse settings. Community members joined us to explore outdoor spaces and deepen their knowledge of how to care for the environment. These offerings were tailored to reflect the communities we serve and designed to feel inviting and relevant. Participants enjoyed engaging in important dialogue about community priorities such as climate resiliency and closing the “green gap” in under-resourced areas. Together, we created an inspiring opportunity for hands-on learning and meaningful conversations, ensuring that diverse voices are celebrated in our inclusive community efforts.
I’m recently retired, and the many library activities have helped me try new things and meet lots of nice people. Library Patron
“
Ageless Adventures Our 55+ programs connect older adults with fresh ways to engage and build community. Through thoughtfully designed field trips and rewarding social activities, we promote wellness and help combat isolation. These moments offer meaningful ways to connect and feel a part of something beyond the routine of everyday life. Many activities focus on staying active, developing new skills and creating space to gather with others. By offering small group workshops, wellness activities, tech help and more, we’re responding directly to the interests and values expressed by local older adults. They represent one of our fastest-growing demographics. In response, we’re expanding a range of programs that support active lifestyles, lifelong curiosity and forming new friendships in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. Our goal is to offer consistent opportunities that help individuals foster connections—to their library, community and one another.
Photo by Anna Koch-Kenney/Embarcadero Media
132 Trees Provided
482 Attendees
16 Field Trips
380 Attendees
A whole new world becomes available to me thanks to the impressive work of the libraries. Library Patron
“
9
10
Powered by FlippingBook