As the American Library Association pointed out in a report published in November 2023, public libraries provide “a number of things beyond books: a safe, free place to hang out; important resources and advice during big life changes such as career transition, parenthood, new language acquisition, or learning to read; Wi-Fi enabled work spaces; and creativity resources like makerspaces and media production equipment.” Tri-Valley libraries are excellent places for virtually everyone–from students to parents to children to seniors to businesspeople to non-native English speakers–to find help and activities that enrich their lives, their careers, and more. A wide range of books, periodicals, and other media are available to borrow at no charge to those with library cards. Databases, often accessible from a home computer, can help students with homework and entrepreneurs do market research. HelpNow’s Adult Learning Center, for example, gives users access to live, professional assistance in writing resumes and cover letters, U.S. citizenship preparation, and more. Another free service, tax preparation help, is often offered during tax season at libraries, along with many other services.

Libraries Bolster Business

Business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals planning to start a company or organization may be surprised by the wealth of helpful resources available at the region’s libraries. Holders of a Dublin library card, for example, have access to an online Small Business Resource Center through the Alameda County Library system. It is described by the officials as a “collection of state-specific resources, such as demographic data, fastest-growing cities, licenses and permits, organizations, and more that are important to the start and development of businesses.” The Livermore Public Library also offers an online collection of Small Business Resources, in addition to other materials.

The Pleasanton Library has many magazines available, including business publications such as Economist, Harvard Business Review, Entrepreneur, Barron’s, Kiplinger, Forbes, and Fortune. Magazines are available in person and online through Flipster. It also offers free access to several newspapers that may interest the business community, including the New York Times and Mercury News. Moreover, books, eBooks, and audiobooks are available on topics such as leadership, small business, business plans, legal forms, taxes, career growth, resumes, and more.

Traditionally, public libraries offer easy access to free computers, printers, scanners, and Wi-Fi in a quiet, distraction-free environment that can be helpful to businesspeople as well as others. Some of them, including the Pleasanton library, also allow members to borrow laptops for use at home. Moreover, libraries offer access to reference librarians, who are trained to help patrons find exactly the information they need.

Another service available to Alameda County library members is free financial advice through the Advisers Give Back program. This program matches individual members with an expert financial adviser who offers advice at no charge. “There's no strings attached,” according to library staff members. “Advisers can't sell you anything and they can't take you as a client. They're just here to listen and help.” Members meet with an adviser who will listen to their concerns and questions and then help them design an easy-to-implement financial plan. The adviser will suggest specific steps unique to each member and help them avoid wasting money, which might be especially helpful advice for first-time entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Much to Celebrate

Last month, the Livermore Public Library celebrated the 40th anniversary of its adult literacy program with an exhibit of personal stories written by past participants. Thousands of adult learners have built better lives during those decades by learning to read and write or improve those skills. That library-based program and its dedicated volunteers made those accomplishments possible.

The region’s libraries also host holiday events and seasonal activities. The Pleasanton Library, for example, will be holding a celebration of Black History Month on February 28 from 1 to 3 pm. Officials say the gathering will "honor and reflect on the achievements, contributions, and lasting legacy of Black individuals whose leadership, creativity, and resilience have helped shape our nation’s history and continue to influence our communities today."

Loaning materials to patrons is still a key function of modern libraries but they offer much more. These important community hubs also provide cool places to gather during hot days, movie and book clubs, and sometimes unexpected services and events. The Dublin Library, which is part of the Alameda County Library system, offers Family Yoga classes, monthly teen films, and a Restraining Order Clinic on March 4 and March 18 at 11 am for individuals experiencing emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, or stalking. At the library, Tri-Valley Haven staff and volunteers will help individuals apply for Temporary Restraining Orders, also known as protective orders, against an abuser.

Those with special interests, such as genealogy, can benefit from services such as Ancestry Library, which can be used while at the Pleasanton library. This genealogy database offers access to 1.5 billion names from the U.S. Census, church records, city directories, schools, newspapers, and more. Veterans who would like in-person help can turn to the Veterans Resource Center at the Pleasanton library's information desk or the Veterans Resource Center resource page on its website.

Some find it difficult to visit the Pleasanton Library. To address that issue, last year Pleasanton acquired a mobile unit designed to bring library materials, recreational programming, and community services directly to residents across the city. Nicknamed Zippy, the outreach vehicle is an effort “to break barriers and bring vital services and programs directly to the community,” according to city officials. The vehicle’s services are available once a month in different neighborhoods. On Tuesday, February 24 from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm, library officials invite residents to visit Zippy and celebrate Love Your Library Month while the vehicle and its staff are parked at Amador Valley Community Park.

“Zippy is a game-changer for how we deliver services and engage with the community,” according to Heidi Murphy, Pleasanton Director of Library and Recreation. “With this outreach vehicle, we are breaking down traditional barriers and reimagining access by moving beyond building walls and into the heart of every neighborhood. We are hopeful that Zippy will help drive us further toward our vision of inspiring a vibrant community where everyone belongs.”

For more information about the Dublin Public Library, please visit www.aclibrary.org/locations/DUB, go to 200 Civic Plaza in Dublin, or call (925) 803-7252. For more information about the City of Livermore Public Library, please visit www.library.livermoreca.gov/about-us/locations-hours-holidays, go to 1188 South Livermore Avenue, or call (925) 373-5500. To learn more about Livermore’s literacy program, including how to participate as an adult learner or a literacy volunteer, contact the literacy office at the Civic Center Library, email literacy@livermore.lib.ca.us or call (925) 373-5507. To access the Livermore Library’s online collection of Small Business Resources, please visit www.library.livermoreca.gov/events-services/services/small-business-resources. For more information about the Advisors Give Back program at Alameda County libraries, please visit www.advisersgiveback.org/ac-library.

For more information about the City of Pleasanton Public Library, please visit hwww.cityofpleasantonca.gov/your-community/pleasanton-library, go to the library at 400 Old Bernal Avenue or call (925) 931-3400.

For a schedule of Zippy’s service areas and dates, please visit www.pleasantonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?programs=68544886a394bf4e3c48db29.