San Mateo County Libraries Annual Report 2024-25

Community Home Runs

We show up in new and unexpected places to build community connections and library awareness. Our enhanced outreach efforts included delivering the library experience to thousands at high- profile community events like Library Night with the San Francisco Giants and the San Mateo County Fair. In the spring, we teamed up with the Giants and our Foundation to host a pre-game festival. Fans explored our Makermobile, browsed eBooks, and took home memorable library giveaways, including baseball-themed books. During the game, the Giants boosted our message about all that modern libraries offer, reaching 30,000 fans with our public service announcement on the big screen. Closer to home, at the County Fair, we created a vibrant reading garden where visitors of all ages enjoyed a carefully curated selection of books. Wherever we go, our fun, interactive activities and outreach efforts result in smiles, inspiration and engagement—reminding people that the library is always within reach.

Thank you for helping me find a home and community. The library has made a true difference in my life. Library Patron

Stronger Together “

When residents reach out for help, we step up to connect them to essential resources. Together with partners like Coastside Hope, Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA) and the YMCA Community Resource Center, we help families access resources connecting them to food, rental assistance, diaper supplies, utility relief and referrals for healthcare. Navigating assistance and complex forms can feel overwhelming for those in need. In the trusted, familiar spaces of our libraries, community members can easily access everyday library services and the expertise of our dedicated partners. We bring people together to address community needs and aspirations. With tax preparation, legal aid, digital skills training and emergency food sources, our partners provide life-changing services. By bridging community needs with library services, we help people move toward greater stability and well-being.

410 Library Night Attendees

4,866 County Fair Attendees

416 Social Safety Net Hours

626 Families Served

The amount of resources provided to all members of our community across the county, the way we are able to reach and include everyone... it makes me grateful. Library Patron

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