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A NOTE FROM THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR
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 Dear Community,
I hope that you are safe and well as the shelter in place order remains in effect to protect our community. Despite the global pandemic, some things in life continue on, and the 2020 Census is a program that will affect our community for years to come. The acceptance period for the Census has been extended until October 31, 2020, so there is still plenty of time for you to get counted, but I encourage you not to wait. Click here to get counted today.
What is the Census? Every 10 years, the federal government is required to count every person in the United States, regardless of citizenship status, through a national census. The information is used to make sure everyone is equally represented in our political system and that financial resources are allocated fairly. It is also used to make important decisions about community programs and services, like where to build homes and parks, build new roads, and offer language access services. The response to the Census is especially important to the people working to help others during the COVID-19 crisis. Health care and emergency service funding comes from everyone being counted.
I am happy to report that the County of San Mateo has one of the highest 2020 Census response rates in the entire state of California! But we need EVERYONE to respond because
#EveryoneCounts. Overall, one third of our City's households have not yet responded, and participation is just barely above 50% in some neighborhoods in Redwood City. You can see see how your own census tract is doing on the Census Response Rates website. Our County and City are working hard to spread the word and assist our citizens with completing the Census. If you didn't see the story featuring Nicole Stoney, Redwood City Fire Department's Deputy Fire Marshal, watch it here.
 Redwood City Public Library is one of the organizations funded by County of San Mateo to provide census outreach and support. We have ads in the community spreading the word that "your library is here to help." Our Monday bilingual Cuentos en Casa (Stories at Home) online storytime featured Census-themed counting stories with our librarian Armando. While we are not able to offer our Census kiosk computers during the closure, our staff are still available to help. We can answer your Census questions by phone or email Monday-Friday, 10:00am-5:00pm. Call our main line: 650-780-7018 or send us an email at rclinfo@redwoodcity.org. Our Census 2020 page has links to the online questionnaire as well as a list of phone numbers to complete the Census in 16 languages.
Two of the library's major service priorities are focused on equity and inclusion - it is vital that we provide service to community members from diverse backgrounds and income levels. Census 2020 is focused on the very same - making sure everyone is counted, because it is essential that everyone in Redwood City is represented in decisions about community programs and services.
Thank you for completing the Census!
Stay well,
Derek
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Shelter in Place hasn't stopped us from connecting with you!
We are happy to bring you the following online programs. See the full events calendar here.
COMING SOON!
 Stories from your Community: Fire Fighters
TUE at 11am, beginning MAY 12
On Tuesday look for videos of members of Engine 12 reading fire themed books here! Coming soon, we have more stories from Redwood City managers, as well as stories in Persian and Mandarin!
TUE MAY 12 at 5pm
Bring your animal friends and join Library Director Derek Wolfgram. RSVP required for Zoom access.
WED at 4pm, beginning MAY 13
Awesome Readers Book Club
THU at 3pm, beginning MAY 14
Weekly meetings
for voracious early readers in 2nd grade. Books will be provided FREE along with weekly chats and fun activities!
Sign-up here
THU MAY 14 at 7pm
Join us for an online performance with San Francisco Bay Area-based singer-songwriter, Gaby Castro.
TUE MAY 19 at 1pm
Get all of your questions answered by a panel of career experts.
RSVP
WEEKLY
 Little Learners Remote
WED at 10am
A craft and storytime for ages 3-5. Pick up materials tomorrow from 10am-12pm, then tune in at 4pm for stories and craft instructions.
THU 10am
Librarian Armando is back with live English/Spanish bilingual storytime through Zoom.
To keep up with all our online programs, go here.
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 ONLINE LEARNING
Your virtual library has many resources for your educational needs. Below is a snapshot of some of our resources for students of all ages. All available with your library card.
Skillsoft
Learn new skills and take courses on a variety of topics including Productivity & Collaboration, Leadership & Management, IT Skills, and more.
Pronunciator
Pronunciator is a fun and free way to learn any of 80 languages with self-directed lessons, live teachers, movies, music, and more.
ProCitizen
ProCitizen will help you prepare for the Civics, Reading, and Writing portions of the Naturalization Test.
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Below is a list of services available at this time. For updates, visit our COVID-19 microsite here.
- All Redwood City Public Library locations are currently closed until further notice.
- Library events are cancelled through May 31.
- Meeting room reservations are cancelled through May 31.
- Due dates for all library materials, including Wifi hotspots, are extended through June 30.
- No overdue fines will be charged for any items currently checked out. Please keep your library materials until we reopen.
- Borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks; use streaming TV, movie, and music services; and access digital subscriptions to newspapers and magazines here.
- Our Zip Books service continues. Zip Books is a way for customers to request books that the Library doesn't own. The item is shipped directly to you using Amazon Prime.
- Library customer service is available for general questions. Please call (650) 780-7018, extension 4 or rclinfo@redwoodcity.org.
- Online resources are available to current card holders and new cardholders. Don't have a card? Sign up here for an eCard, good for 90 days.
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STAY INFORMED
CONTACT US
Our live phone service team are available 10am to 5pm Monday-Friday.
PH: (650) 780-7018, ex. 4
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SEND TO A FRIEND
Have a friend you think might be interested?
!
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