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Additional information provided noted that 70% of voters have visited a library in person in the <br />past year and two-thirds of votes place high importance on foundational library services such <br />as: quiet areas, free access to books and technology, convenience to get to, free access to <br />computers and the internet, providing a broad range of materials, and providing free Wi-Fi. <br />Commissioners were also informed that a large percentage of voters value a library as a <br />gathering place and believe it is important they offer enriching activities that are not available <br />elsewhere in a community. Voters view a local library as a community hub and many have <br />visited their local library in the past year to attend community meetings or library -organized <br />programs or events. <br />Ms. Murphy's reporting also noted that commitment to library -funding does not align with voter <br />attitudes and use of a library. Voters are confused about library funding and support federal <br />funding for them. <br />Commissioner Damaser commented on the irony of drop-in percentage points around the value <br />of the library in children's lives as compared to the Pleasanton Library's increase in children's <br />circulation. Ms. Murphy provided information about existing services and how libraries need to <br />build better messaging to connect these programs and services to core values, such as <br />education. She also noted the drop-in percentage points around the belief that librarians were <br />helpful and approachable, yet the Pleasanton Library has fantastic staff members dedicated to <br />serving the community and discussed how to get librarians out in the community to interact <br />more with the public. <br />Ms. Murphy commented on a pop-up programming plan being put in place during the library <br />renovation to bring recreation and library staff members out of the library and into the <br />community. She discussed: public awareness efforts, supporters, community hub, addressing <br />barriers, communicating importance of the library, library funding, and setting up the library as <br />a resource to the community. Additionally, Ms. Murphy discussed how the Commission could <br />get information about the library out to the community. <br />Commissioner Grewel was advised by Ms. Murphy that the national survey numbers shown in <br />the report they had reviewed showed no major geographical differences throughout the nation. <br />Commissioner Skowlund questioned who needed to be contacted and provided information <br />about the library, noting that many older Pleasanton residents don't see the need for a larger <br />library. She also commented on the diversity changes in the community. <br />Chairperson Hertle discussed the fact that approximately 40% of the Pleasanton population <br />does not vote, so concentration should be placed on getting information learned from the report <br />out to the other 60% with a need to focus on single issues. <br />Library Commission <br />August 1, 2019 <br />Page 3 <br />