Awesome, awesome meeting tonight! We could not have asked for a better turnout – approximately 108 people came to the library to share their ideas about Sunnyvale’s future library. The room was crowded but not uncomfortable. The food, lasagna, salad and garlic bread along with soft drinks and dessert, was provided by the Friends of the Sunnyvale Library and we thank them heartily.


The best part was that people from different segments of the community were here, and they participated. We had people who have lived in Sunnyvale for decades and have raised their families here. There were newcomers, young parents with their children, business people, and the youth. We had a powerhouse group of young people from Homestead High School’s Future Business Leaders of America. And let me tell you, they are indeed leaders! They were thoughtful, articulate and caring about of their community – it was just wonderful to listen to them.

When you open the door and ask what people think, there will be times when you hear things that are not so flattering. The Sunnyvale Public Library is not perfect and we certainly have community members who know we could do a better job. Their feedback is important if we are going to improve in a meaningful way. So, we heard a lot of praise and some criticism as well. But, the purpose of the meeting tonight was to look to the future and that’s what we did. The comments made at the meeting tonight will be posted on the Web site at libraryofthefuture.inSunnyvale.com.

We’ll see what tomorrow holds with our focus group meetings. If tonight’s meeting is any indication, it will be lively!