Redwood City Public Library eNews
April 26, 2022
A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
RCPL stands against banned books

Redwood City Public Library's mission is centered on sharing the joy of reading and learning. In recent months, the act of banning books has become alarmingly prevalent across the United States. The books that have been challenged and banned are largely titles that explore historically marginalized populations. Censorship has no place in libraries and Redwood City Public Library welcomes all viewpoints in our collections. In fact, RCPL centers our service priorities around inclusive programs, services and books that lead to equitable outcomes for members of the highly diverse community we serve. Our readers have the right to choose what they read and we do everything to preserve this choice.

Part of the work of our RCPL CARES racial equity team in 2021 was to audit all library policies to ensure that they not only avoided inequitable approaches or discrimination, but that they proactively center the experiences of historically marginalized populations. One of the central philosophical underpinnings of any public library is its Materials Selection and Maintenance Policy, which sets parameters for what items belong in a library collection. RCPL’s recent revisions to our policy highlight our commitment to the free expression of ideas, even those which may be controversial, unorthodox or unacceptable to others. Censorship undermines the ability of individuals or communities to engage with multiple perspectives. The Library, on the other hand, celebrates the diversity of our community by providing materials and services that reflect and strengthen that diversity. 

If you too stand against censorship and the silencing of voices, and would like to learn more, we encourage you to read the American Library Association Statement on Censorship and join the United Against Book Bans campaign. Another powerful act of resistance is to read banned books. The New York Public Library recently made their downloadable Books for All collection free and it includes a small selection of commonly banned or challenged books. We have many reading lists that include banned books, including: Top Banned Books 2021, Building Tolerance, LGBTQ+ stories and anti-racism lists for all ages on our RCPL CARES page. Last but not least, we welcome community input on what we might be lacking in our collection through our purchase suggestion form.

Your Library Director,
Derek Wolfgram
ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and the Library is offering events to highlight the history, heritage and contributions of Asian Pacific American communities.




Our Asian Pacific American Heritage reading list features titles that explore the stories of Asian and Pacific American authors. There are also rich learnings in our event recordings from the February Confronting History: Stories of Internment series. These programs explored the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II.
JOIN THE LIBRARY BOARD
The application period for the City of Redwood City Board, Commission and Committee recruitment has been extended through May 22, 2022. We are seeking applicants for three full-term seats on our Library Board and we need people dedicated to making a difference in Redwood City! We would appreciate your help sharing this flyer with your networks and anyone who may be interested.

For more information about the roles and responsibilities of each body, visit the Advisory Bodies & Committees page on the City’s website.
COVID-19 VACCINE
On behalf of the California Department of Public Health and the California State Library, we'd like to remind our community that it is still very important to get vaccinated against COVID-19. It is recommended that everyone ages 5 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine, and a booster when eligible, to help protect against COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and free for eligible Californians ages 5 and up regardless of health insurance or immigration status. Learn more here
ONLINE EVENTS TOP PICKS
See the full events calendar here.
Free Comic Book Day

On May 7, celebrate Free Comic Book Day at the Redwood City Public Library. Free Comics! Crafts! And Prizes! For Kids and Teens.

Happy Birds

The Happy Birds are back! Watch amazing tricks performed by the smartest parrots in town. May 14 at Downtown Library and May 21 at Redwood Shores Branch Library.

Financial Literacy Series
In collaboration with Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and Silicon Valley Community Foundation, the Library is proud to offer a 5-week Financial Literacy Series. Secure Futures will help you learn how to save, budget, grow your credit and more.

May 2 | Money Mindfulness
May 9 | Saving Money
May 16 | Spending Plan
May 23 | Borrowing Money, Part I
June 6 | Borrowing Money, Part II

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
WED APR 27, 6:30pm
This week's event will celebrate Poem In Your Pocket Day with small, precious poems and handmade carrying containers. With live poetry readings.

THU APR 28, 11am
Join us for a morning of movement, breathing and energy work.

SAT APR 30, 10:30am at Schaberg Branch Library and 1pm at Downtown Library
Bilingual storytime, crafts, games and music, free bilingual book, Fiesta  // Cuentos bilingües, artesanias juegos, musica y libro Fiesta gratis!

SAT APR 30, 11am
Learn a variety of basic crochet skills and create your own potholder in this beginner workshop.

TUE MAY 3, 6:30pm
Acompáñanos y aprende a tomar mejores fotos con tu celular.

WED MAY 4, 10:15am
Learn how to use staffing firms in your job search from a panel of five professionals

SAT MAY 7, 10:30am
Join us for a special adult Mother's Day craft! We'll create beautiful paper cherry blossom Bonsai in a glass bowl

SAT MAY 7, 11am
Read to a specially trained dog provided by the Peninsula Humane Society.

SAT MAY 7, 2pm
Join us and make a beaded necklace, color a coin purse and other crafts for mom.

SAT MAY 7, 3pm
Read to a specially trained dog provided by the Peninsula Humane Society.

To keep up with all our programs, go here

For Storytimes, go here

For Makerspace, go here
STAY IN TOUCH // MANTÉNGASE EN CONTACTO
Library customer service is available for your questions:
By phone: (650) 780-7018, extension 4
By email: [email protected]

Subscribe to City and Library eNews

Servicio bibliotecario al cliente está disponible para sus preguntas:
Por teléfono: (650) 780-7018, extensión 4
Por correo electrónico: [email protected]
 
Subscríbase a eNews de la ciudad o biblioteca