Minutes – October 1, 2025 – Alameda County Library Advisory Commission

  • Meeting Summary Action Minutes
  • October 1, 2025
  • Union City Library

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Michael Baldwin at 7:04 p.m.

Roll Call

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

Public Comment

None

Consent Calendar

  1. Approval of Minutes of July 2, 2025
    Penny Peck moved and Commissioner Peggy McQuaid seconded for the approval of the July 2, 2025 minutes. The minutes were approved by a unanimous vote.

Discussion Calendar

  1. Meeting Dates and Locations for 2026
    Secretary Noelle Khean presented the meeting schedule for 2026. The Commission will meet on January 7 at Albany Library, March 25 at Newark Library, July 1 at Fremont Main Library, and October 7 at San Lorenzo Library.  
  2. Library Logistics Division
    Ben Gomberg, Division Director of Library Logistics, provided an overview of the division and its departments: IT Services, Facilities, Fleet and Courier, Technical Services, and Coordination of Access to the Library.  
  3. Tour of Union City Library
    Union City Library Manager Nidya Gonzalez led a tour of the Union City Library.  
  4. County Librarian's Report  
    • Library Family Space: AC Library conducted a survey asking the public for their feedback on Family Spaces in the Library. Currently known as our Children's spaces. 

      Information: https://aclibrary.org/family-spaces/.

      The Library is working with architectural firm, Group 4. 

      • Year 1: Connect with our community and staff. Review each library's family spaces to guide recommendations.
      • Year 2: Draft improvement plans with estimated budgets and timelines.
      • Years 3-5: Work with partners and vendors to make changes—big and small—to family spaces.
      • All Along: Listen, learn, and share where we are in the process.  
    • Summer Adventure 2025: This year marks the 5th year of Summer Adventure. The theme was "Imagine & Build." Summer Adventure 2025 video: https://vimeo.com/1106292162?share=copy.  
    • August 2025 Library to Library Newsletter: Alameda County Library (Fremont Main Library)'s reading display was featured in the August issue of the California State Library's monthly newsletter.  
    • Proclamation: September is National Literacy Month: September is National Literacy Month. The Alameda County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation in September to mark National Literacy Month in Alameda County.  
  5. Commissioners' Updates and Reports  
    • Commissioner Baldwin reminded the Commission that there are still available seats for Youth Commissioners. For the application or more information, reach out to Noelle Khean.
    • Commissioner Baldwin also shared that the Brian Copeland author event was a very well attended event at Castro Valley Library.
    • Commissioner Peck shared that there was a job fair at San Lorenzo Library, and it was great that the staff collaborates with other organizations to run those events.
    • Commissioner Yajing Zhang shared that the author featured in the "HerStory" display in Union City Library had an event at Fremont Main Library that was well attended.  
  6. Next Meeting Reminders, Location, Date & Adjournment  
    • Reminders for the next meeting: Re-election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
    • Location of next meeting:  
      • Date: January 7, 2026
      • Place: Albany Library
      • Time: 7:00 p.m.
    • Adjournment: Commissioner McQuaid moved, and Commissioner Grindall seconded for adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m.

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

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