Library Director’s Report (Valerie Sommer, Library Director)

This report from Library Director Valerie Sommer details library activities and programs for February 2026, with forward-looking information for March and April.

Key Highlights & Upcoming Events:

• National Library Week (April 19-25): Proclamation to be read at the April 8 City Council meeting.
• America 250 Film Screenings: "The Hello Girls" on March 30 and "The Librarians" (on book bans) on April 25.
• Author Visit: Mychal Threets (Reading Rainbow host) on March 28.
• Literacy Program Funding: Advocacy for $3 million in ongoing funding for English as a Second Language Literacy Programs, as current one-time funds expire in June 2026.
• Youth in Government: High school seniors Elizabeth Unisa and Julianne Garcia-Ku presented on library services for Westborough Preschool.

February 2026 Program Statistics:

• Adult Services: 33 programs, 339 attendees; 798 streaming movies/music; 10,702 eBooks/eAudiobooks/eMagazines checked out. Notable programming included Black History Month events and a Cricut Crafternoon funded by Measure K.
• Grand Avenue Branch: 25 programs, 796 attendees; 1,020 self-directed program participants. Initiated a popular Saturday Storytime.
• Literacy Services (GMCLC & Project Read): Continued adult education, tech tutoring, ESL, Citizenship, and Digital Literacy programs. Distributed over 400 books and 100 STEAM kits at a Lunar New Year event. Project Read Book Club discussed "Siddhartha."
• Discovery Center: Fulfilled 44 3D printer appointments, 15+ walk-ins, and 11 Tech Drop-in appointments. Hosted Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day crafts, a Snap Circuits program on Lewis Latimer, and an AMGEN STEAM program ("Sunlight Science") with 267 patrons.
• Youth Services: 64 programs (attendee numbers pending). Staff presented at local school Career Days. Hosted an annual Lunar New Year celebration with nearly 1,000 community members, featuring a lion dance, crafts, and remarks from Councilmember Flor Nicolas and Vice Mayor Mark Nagales. Teen Junk Journal Club and STEMsters sessions also occurred.