Funded Projects
Thanks to the support of our generous donors and the entire community, the Foundation has the opportunity to donate to San Mateo County Libraries each year to make an impact. Together, we are creating a legacy.
Summer 2024
In 2024, the Foundation focused on preparing for upcoming significant fundraising priorities. This includes supported the delivery of a Feasibility study for the design and development of a new East Palo Alto library. This effort was delivered with support of a $40,000 Measure K grant from San Mateo’ Supervisors Slocum’s District Office. Stay tuned for more details about this important capital project.
Another area of focus included preparations to launch Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the entire county of San Mateo, to provide free books to children ages 0-5. The Foundation is grateful to the following Friends of the Libraries groups across our library system:
- Friends of the Belmont Library
- Friends of the Brisbane Library
- Friends of the Foster City Library
- Friends of the Half Moon Bay Library
- Friends of the Millbrae Library
- Friends of the Pacifica Library
- Friends of the Portola Valley Library
- Friends of the San Carlos Library
- Friends of the Woodside Library
- San Mateo County Libraries
For more information visit: https://investinsmcl.org/sanmateoimaginationlibrary/
The Foundation was also pleased to contribute to the San Mateo County Libraries with financial support for staff recognition.
Summer 2023
In 2023 we continued our impactful work aimed at supporting families, enhancing literacy, and bridging the digital divide.
We supported the launch of the very first Library Outpost. The Pacifica Sanchez Library Outpost is an easy-to-use, 24-hour, seven-day-a-week automated library vending hub. The first Library Outpost will expand access to library materials and inspire community engagement with a gathering space to enjoy the outdoors.
Additionally, we were pleased to fund community outreach efforts to raise awareness about the services our libraries provide to non-users. Staff wellness and volunteer engagement was another priority the Foundation supported. These efforts specifically funded training of adult literacy volunteers.
We also supported the Pitch-It program ran by the San Mateo County Libraries as an outreach program to generate creative ideas of engaging patrons of the libraries within our system.
Summer 2022
The Foundation donated $11,000 to support the Equity through Art Series.
As part of San Mateo County Libraries 2021-2022 Equity Through Art series in partnership with the County of San Mateo Chief Equity Officer and Department of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, these library programs highlighted the complex relationship Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) have had living and trying to thrive in San Mateo County. Learn more about the program here.
Thank you for County of San Mateo Behavioral Health and Recovery Services for providing $11,000 in support of this program.
Spring 2022
The Foundation donated $75,000 to support Big Lift Inspiring Summers in San Mateo County.
In the 6th year of the program, Big Lift Inspiring Summers hopes to serve 1,200 children entering Kindergarten through 3rd grade in San Mateo County. Learn more about the program here.
Thank you for Sares Regis Foundation for providing $10,000 in support of this program.
Winter 2022
The Foundation donated $25,000 to support the Raising A Reader program in San Mateo County.
Raising A Reader is a national family engagement program that began in San Mateo County. To learn more about the Raising A Reader program, visit here.
Spring 2021
The Foundation provided $55,000 to San Mateo County Libraries to support three projects: Make-It March, Big Lift Inspiring Summers and staff engagement.
Take and Make It: $10,000 sponsored by Genentech
A special sewable robotic circuit kit kicked off the annual Make-It March programming for elementary-aged youth to enjoy. These kits, provided through a sponsorship by Genentech were available at all San Mateo County Libraries.
Big Lift Inspiring Summers
Your generous donations will support healthy snacks/meals, supplies and materials for the over 1,000 students in summer 2021. Learn more about Inspiring Summers here.
Staff Engagement
Library staff have navigated through various changes over the past year and your donations provided a joint gift with the Libraries during National Library Week.
August 2020
The Foundation provided $150,000 to San Mateo County Libraries to support two projects: the Makermobile and the Brisbane Children’s area.
Makermobile: $100,000 funded through Gilead
The Makermobile will serve as a key part of the network of makerspaces. The Makermobile will bring a diverse set of maker activities to libraries and community destinations. These activities will encourage creative failure and teach timeless skills including problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity through STEAM activities. The Makermobile will also build a large, inclusive community of makers. Expected completion date: Summer 2021.
Brisbane New Library Children’s Area: $50,000 funded through Sunlight Giving
The new Brisbane Library Children’s area will include soft seating and an interactive play installation for families to experience the library together. The children’s area will provide a free and welcoming place that invites parents, caregivers and young children to talk, read, sing and play to support early learning.
Learn how you can get involved at: https://investinsmcl.org/ways-to-give/