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Volunteers wrapped up the year by bringing free books to children through our

Traveling Storytime program.

December 22, 2025

However you celebrate the holidays, we wish you a very happy and healthy season. Our three libraries will be open surrounding the holidays, but this eNewsletter will be the last of the year. You can find our closure dates on the Locations & Hours page.

2025—what a year! A picture tells a thousand words, and our 2025 recap video captures our community engaging with library programs and services—and, most importantly, with one another. We invite you to follow the link and take a look back at the year. The joy, creativity and sense of community truly shine through.

We kicked off 2025 by listening to YOU through RCPL community listening sessions. From those conversations, three shared aspirations emerged—Belonging, Growth, and Wellness—guiding how the Library can continue to make a positive impact. The Library’s 2025-2028 Service Priorities were developed in service of these aspirations.

2025 highlights:

• Our partnerships help us extend our reach throughout the community, whether it be at the Kiwanis Farmer's Market, the Red Morton Community Center, local parks and schools.
• The Roots of Change: Creating A Sustainable Future Together program series brought gardening programs, Fix It Clinics, STEAM for Kids activities - all in an effort to improve long-term environmental and health outcomes in our community. 
• In February, the Downtown Library was host to YANovCon, Peninsula Library System's annual celebration of books for teens.
• Library Hotspots were recognized as a key initiative shaping our community in the March State of the City Address.
• A collaboration with Foster Youth Museum and CASA of San Mateo County brought the Foster Youth Museum Exhibition and programs to Redwood City, celebrating the stories of foster and juvenile youth throughout April and May.
• Our annual Juneteenth program series brought together community partners to deliver art exhibits, events and more
• The Summer Learning Challenge (SLC) kept children engaged with reading and learning all summer long. Thanks to the Friends of the Redwood City Public Library for sponsoring SLC programs and the Redwood City Library Foundation for providing books for every child. We also hired four local teen interns to support our largest initiative of the year.
• This year's Welcoming Star was awarded to our Project READ program, a distinction that recognizes programs in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks that model a remarkable commitment to creating a welcoming environment.
• We expanded our Library of Things with two popular new additions: cake pans and video games.

And with that, we thank you for your support of your local public library this year. We can't wait to see what 2026 brings.

Last week, the Teen Center gave teens a much-needed study break with after-school games, activities and a special visit from AMR San Mateo County's therapy dog I.V. Mateo. The week wrapped up with a festive pizza party, and fun was truly had by all. Our Teen Center Christmas tree—decorated by and for teens—holds special meaning, as for some it may be the only tree they get to enjoy this season.

If you are a teen looking for things to do over the winter break, drop in to the Teen Center, we are open Monday through Saturday, except the holiday closure dates.

Winter MakerClub is back for the third year in a row! Designed to give children and families a way to connect and create during the Winter Break, the Winter MakerClub has become a community favorite.

Join us at the Downtown Library Makerspace from December 22-January 2. For kids ages 3 to 13, drop in and create winter themed projects. New projects will be available daily. All children must be accompanied by an adult

• Mondays 10am-1pm
• Tuesdays 1:30pm-4:30pm
• Fridays 10am-1pm

Sponsored by Friends of the Redwood City Library

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¡Acompáñanos en el Espacio Maker de la Biblioteca Central, del 22 de diciembre al 2 de enero, para el MakerClub de Invierno! Para niños de 3 a 13 años, visítenos y crea proyectos con temática invernal. Cada día habrá nuevos proyectos disponibles. Todos los niños deben estar acompañados por un adulto.

• Los lunes de 10am – 1pm
• Los martes de 1:30pm - 4:30pm
• Los viernes de 10am -1pm



Patrocinado por Friends of the Redwood City Public Library 

The Annual Family Holiday Light Show is back. Red Morton Park turns into a glowing playground of lights, lasers and holiday music thanks to Dancers in the Park and Redwood City Park,s Recreation and Community Services. Sip hot chocolate, soak up the sparkle and dance along if you feel it.

Two shows nightly at 6:30pm and 7:30pm. from now until January 1 on the Valota Road side of Red Morton Park. New Year’s Eve shows are at 8:30pm and 11:30pm. Enjoy the light tunnel while you’re there. Parking is available in the Veterans lot off Madison Avenue.

More information

Storm Preparedness

Check out this new video in our Storm Preparedness video series all about protecting vulnerable properties using sandbags. It shares simple steps to help redirect water and reduce flood risk around your home. Explore the full Storm Preparedness video series at www.RedwoodCity.org/Storms

Need sandbags? Our self-serve sandbag station is located at 1400 Broadway. We’ve got shovels and bags, and you can take up to 24 sandbags if needed.

Remember to sign up for crucial weather and safety alerts at SMCAlert.info or by texting your zip code to 888777.

For tips and resources to help you get storm ready, please visit www.RedwoodCity.org/Storms and share with friends and family.