Salinas Public Library joins libraries nationwide in celebrating the many ways libraries lead their communities through the transformative services, programs and expertise they offer.

April 8-14 is National Library Week, an annual celebration of the life-changing work of libraries, librarians and library workers. Libraries aren’t just places to borrow books or study—they’re also creative and engaging community centers where people can collaborate using new technologies and develop their skills and passions.

“Librarians today pay particular attention to the critical stage of child development from birth to age three, which is why more and more children in Salinas first develop critical learning skills at the Library through our infant and toddler programs,” noted Cary Ann Siegfried, Library and Community Services Director.

Diverse groups including elected officials, small business owners, parents and students depend upon libraries and the resources they offer. Resources like e-books and literacy and technology classes and programs for parents, children and job seekers are just a few ways libraries and librarians are transforming to lead their communities. All programs and services at the Library are free.

Salinas Public Library helps lead by:

• Advancing Student Success:  The Library’s Kindermobile visits every kindergarten class in Salinas every month and the Library partners with the schools through multiple initiatives to advance learning, including the Library’s Summer Reading Program, aimed at keeping children learning throughout the summer months.

• Supporting Adult Learning and Career Readiness: A suite of online resources (provided to library cardholders for free) supports adult learning, including Lynda.com, Rosetta Stone and LearningExpress.com. The John Steinbeck Library also offers a Digital Arts Lab with an instructor who provides free computer instruction. Salinas Public Library also offers adult learning classes, including literacy, GED and High School Equivalency.

• Creating Future Jobs: The Library hosts Digital NEST and provides multiple avenues for young people to learn about and use evolving technology.

• Building a Safer Community: From music events to book fairs that present local authors, the Library brings the community together in a safe, engaging and welcoming space. It provides activities and space for seniors and the Library keeps thousands of young people constructively engaged. Through these activities and its excellent collection, the Library is investing in today and tomorrow’s leaders.

New Facilities

Currently, North Salinas does not have Library program space that effectively supports these activities. Because of the high demand for these services, the Library has plans to begin construction in the late summer of a 21,000 square foot Library that will replace the old 3,400 square foot El Gabilan Library. 

The new building will feature a large program room, outdoor learning spaces, a Makerspace room and a Digital Arts lab, an Internet Café, conference rooms, classroom space and more. The Library is building the opportunity for thousands of Salinas’ residents to improve their skills at work, school and ultimately to improve their future. 

Salinas Public Library has evolved rapidly to keep up with the changing needs of the community. Librarians continue to lead the way in leveling the playing field for all who seek information.  They assist residents to keep up with the latest technology and look beyond their traditional roles, providing transformative opportunities for education, employment, entrepreneurship, empowerment and engagement.

For more information, please call Eric Howard, Deputy Librarian, at (831) 758-7419.