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Playtime at Cuentos y Cantos

March 31, 2025

As we approach National Library Week, April 6-12, there's no better time to support your local libraries. Here at Redwood City Public Library, both staff and community members are voicing strong concerns about the future of federal funding for libraries, and I want to ensure you stay informed and empowered to take action.

This afternoon, we heard from our colleagues at the California State Library that all staff of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) were put on administrative leave, effective today. While proposed cuts to IMLS put federal funding at risk, it’s important to understand what that means for us. Federal funding makes up about 3% of Redwood City Public Library’s budget, but its impact reaches far beyond that. Through the IMLS Grants to States program, California State Library has helped us introduce innovative programs like Bienvenidos and Lunch at the Library. The Roots of Change sustainability grant recently allowed us to partner with City Trees to offer the community a tree pruning workshop. We also rely on federal support through California Library Literacy Services, which funds our Project READ program. While it’s unclear whether these programs are directly at risk, now is the time to speak up and advocate for the library services that enrich our community.

Act now to stand up for libraries with these resources:

EveryLibrary: Take Action to Save Federal Funding For Libraries

American Library Association: Save the Institute of Museum & Library Services

With thanks for your support,

Sarah LaTorra

Interim Library Director

Did you catch the State of the City address on March 24? This annual event reflects on our shared accomplishments, key initiatives shaping our city and looks ahead to the future we are building—together.

The Library is proud to have received one of six Council awards during the address for our WiFi hotspot lending program. The Library's hotspot lending program enables residents in Redwood City, but particularly residents without access to WiFi, to gain access for free—a "critical step toward digital equity." Thank you to the City Council for this recognition and the Redwood City Library Foundation for funding the Bridging the Digital Divide program. You can watch the State of the City meeting recording here

Learn more about the Library hotspots here

This April, learn about a variety of actions you can take at home and in the community to help preserve and protect our shared environment:

SAT APR 5, 3pm: Firescaping Your Home - Rachel Schleiger, MS and Adrienne Edwards, PhD*

Expert guidance on how to harden your home against wildfire risk, including incorporating native plants into a lush and attractive defensible space.

SAT APR 12, 10am: A Preview of Spring at Edgewood Natural Preserve

Learn why Edgewood, a hidden gem within our community, remains a refugia for several threatened and endangered species, and how you can get involved preservation efforts. 

TUE APR 22, 6:30pm: Earth Day Screen Printing Workshop

Join us for an all-ages Earth Day screen printing workshop with Eric Kneeland of Black Stamp Studios exploring themes of environmental justice and collective action through art making. This event is sponsored by the Redwood City Art Commission.

THU APR 26, 6:30pm: Adult Makers: Earth Day Up-Cycling for Denim*

Use the Library’s sewing or embroidery machines to personalize or refresh your denim for the summer season.

*This project is part of the Roots of Change: Creating A Sustainable Future Together program series, supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. With additional support from Friends of the Redwood City Public Library

Great news for park lovers, just in time for Spring Break! The California State Library Parks Pass is here to stay through 2026 - which means more free outdoor adventures. The State Parks Pass program provides free vehicle day-use entry into a participating state park. To learn more about RCPL's free Parks Pass program visit this page.

In addition, we also offer San Mateo County Park Passes for a three-week checkout! For more information, go here.