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Measure K Grant Programming Wrap-Up (Valerie Sommer, Library Director)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Library Board be apprised of the Measure K Grant Library Programming.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
In July 2025, a one-time grant of district-discretionary San Mateo County Measure K funds, not to exceed $50,000, was awarded to the Peninsula Library System, to be distributed among the County’s eight public library jurisdictions, with a maximum reimbursement of $5,000 per library outlet, to encourage community-building in which library programs would bring people together in trusted environments where participants can explore and learn together, finding common ground and connection.
As part of the grant, the Library hosted several community- building programs that met the goals of the grant. In January 2026, the Library began a weekly Mahjong Meet-Up at Main Library and board game nights at Grand Library. Cricut supplies were purchased to host monthly Cricut Crafternoon programs, as well as supplied for the Library’s Creative Café program, creating a space for sharing and community-building with patrons. The Library also purchased a subscription to Meet-Up, a website where the Library can share all the group and club programs we offer.
The Library also used Measure K funds for premier programming:
Hamilton Film Screenings: In honor of America 250, the Library hosted Hamilton Musical Day, with two screenings of the Hamilton film on Saturday, January 17, as well as an encore screening Wednesday, April 29.
Finding Your Joy with Mychal Threets: On Saturday, March 28, the Library hosted an event featuring Mychal Threets, Resident Librarian for PBS and PBS Kids and the host to the new Reading Rainbow. The event included a storytime led by Mychal Threets, who read from his book, I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy. 200 community members attended the event, where they also had the opportunity to attend a meet and greet with Mychal that included book signings and photos. Library staff also hosted themed, all ages craft activities and created a welcoming space for community members to socialize and connect with fellow South San Franciscans.
American Revolution Experience Traveling Tour: From April 24 to April 30, the Library hosted the American Revolution Experience Traveling Tour, a pop-up exhibition that included display panels and interactive digital kiosks that used storytelling, illustration, technology and unique artifacts and primary accounts to connect modern audiences with the people and places that shaped the birth of our nation. The exhibition was featured in partnership with the San Andreas Lake Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution and American Battlefield Trus. The exhibition was located in the 2nd Floor Community Room. A welcome reception with appetizers and refreshments was held on April 24, with a speech by Mayor Mark Addiego.
Hamilton to Hollywood Trivia Night: On Monday, June 15, the Library hosted an America250 trivia night. The program, “From Hamilton to Hollywood: Trivia throwdown at the library,” covered questions on events of the year 1776, presidential middle names, American athletes, popular musical artists and more. Eight teams participated, and the event helped bring new visitors to South San Francisco.