Redwood City is set to transfer operational responsibility of the Fair Oaks Branch Library to San Mateo County Libraries, which in many ways “will be invisible” to library patrons, officials said.
The Redwood City council is scheduled to vote on the proposed transfer at its meetings on Feb. 22. If approved, the transfer is set to take effect March 15.
“Under the anticipated transfer, the City of Redwood City would continue to provide funding to support library services for the North Fair Oaks community, but the library will be operated by San Mateo County Libraries,” officials said.
What stays the same:
- The branch will operate in the same location with the same collection and amenities
- The library will remain part of the Peninsula Library System, your library card gets you access to materials at all Redwood City Libraries and throughout the County of San Mateo through our shared holds delivery system
- No daily overdue fines
- Some programs and activities will change, but many signature programs will remain in place (bilingual storytimes, Summer Learning Challenge, etc.)
- Redwood City Public Library will continue to support and partner with Redwood City School District schools in the North Fair Oaks neighborhood
What changes:
- New curbside service hours will begin on March 15
- More service hours, with an increase from 50 to 60 open hours a week when libraries fully reopen to the public
- The branch will have a new name: North Fair Oaks Library
- New Library staff (the current staff members will all remain employed by Redwood City Public Library in other locations)
- Your library card number will change and you will now have access to San Mateo County Libraries online resources. You will still be able to use your card at Redwood City Libraries and throughout the county.
For more information, view documents related to the Feb. 22 City Council meeting here.
Photo credit: City of Redwood City
