Minutes – January 7, 2026 – Alameda County Library Advisory Commission

  • Meeting Summary Action Minutes
  • January 7, 2026
  • Albany Library

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Michael Baldwin at 7:00 p.m.

Roll Call

  • Members Present:                 
    • Michael Baldwin
    • Peggy McQuaid
    • John Morada
    • Yajing Zhang
    • Lance Nishihira
    • Terrence Grindall
    • Darrell Choy
    • Subru Bhat
    • Margaret "Maggie" Fero
  • Members Absent:                 
    • Sarah Wilson
      Warren Cushman
      Penny Peck

Public Comment

None

Consent Calendar

  1. Approval of Minutes of October 1, 2025
    Commissioner Terrence Grindall moved, and Commissioner Peggy McQuaid seconded for the approval of the October 1, 2025 minutes. The minutes were approved by a unanimous vote.

Discussion Calendar

  1. Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
    Commissioner Michael Baldwin agreed to serve for another year as ACLAC Chairperson. Commissioner McQuaid moved, and Commissioner Lance Nishihira seconded the motion to elect Commissioner Baldwin for another term. Commissioner Baldwin was re-elected as ACLAC Chairperson by a unanimous vote.  

     
    Commissioner Sarah Wilson agreed to serve another year as ACLAC Vice-Chairperson. Commissioner Subru Bhat moved and Commissioner Grindall seconded the motion to elect Commissioner Wilson for another term. Commissioner Wilson was re-elected as ACLAC Vice-Chairperson by a unanimous vote.
     
  2. Learning Session: ALA Code of Ethics & Library Bill of Rights
    County Librarian Deb Sica led a learning session on the American Library Association Code of Ethics and Library Bill of Rights. This is the first of two learning sessions on the subject for the Commission.
  3. Tour of Albany Library
    Albany Library Manager Blaine Wentworth led a tour of the Albany Library.
  4. County Librarian's Report             
    • Library Logistics Updates       
      • Online Services Listening Session Analysis 
        Held by the systemwide eResources Committee which resulted in language access improvements.   
      • Student Success Card Project
        Partnering with various USDs to pilot automatic student Library Cards. This supports California legislation (SB 321 and SB 1329), which aim to provide every student with a Library Card by third grade.
      • Courier and Cataloging Coordination
        Strengthened collaboration among Cataloging, Facilities, and Community Libraries to streamline delivery workflows. Libraries report fewer delays and faster shelf availability for new materials.
      • Digital Accessibility Audit
        Began work on updating, converting, or removing Library PDFs and video enhancements. This builds on the taskforce formed last quarter and helps ensure Library materials are usable by everyone.
      • eResources Updates
        Renewed several digital subscriptions and continued New York Times Full Access for members after state funding ended due to federal IMLS cuts. The Library chose to maintain New York Times access within its own budget to ensure ongoing service.
    • Highlights Across AC Library        
      • Tibetan Dance Night at Albany Library
        A celebration of Culture and Community – In partnership with the Tibetan Association of Northern California (TANC), more than 250 community members gathered for an evening of history, traditional dance, and music.
      • Bookleggers Turned 40! 
        The group of volunteers from Fremont and Castro Valley Libraries is dedicated to promoting independent reading by children.AC Library and Alameda Native History Project will be offering more experiences, including the construction of a new San Lorenzo & Centerville Granaries, acorn processing, and sealing workshops to celebrate acorns and Indigenous knowledge.Makerspace equipment is in high demand! Fremont Main Library’s makerspace, “The Spark,” has seen a steady increase in demand for the 3D printers, die cutter, large printer, and sewing machines since opening in 2025.
  5. Commissioners' Updates and Reports
    Commissioner Lance Nishihira reported that Union City is undergoing a Parks and Rec master plan, and it might have an impact on the Union City Library. Planning work near the BART station could also impact the library.         

     
    Commissioner McQuaid reported that the City of Albany rotates the role of mayor, and it is her turn to serve as the new Mayor of Albany.

     
    Commissioner Baldwin reported that the Castro Valley Friends of the Library’s annual book sale was so well attended that there was a line all the way around the building. He also shared that the library location has lots of programs happening simultaneously on the weekends, and it is impressive to see how efficiently the staff run through the day.

     
    Commissioner Maggie Fero reported she has heard positive feedback for the immigration friendly content on the Library’s social channels.
     
  6. Next Meeting Reminders, Location, Date & Adjournment                  
    • Reminders for the next meeting: 
    • Location of next meeting:                  
      • Date: April 15, 2026
      • Place: Newark Library
      • Time: 7:00 p.m.
    • Adjournment: Commissioner McQuaid moved, and Commissioner Fero seconded for
      adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m.

These minutes are subject to Alameda County Library Advisory Commission's approval at their next regularly scheduled meeting.

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