Are you a teen that has an idea for an event or activity you'd like to see at Redwood City Public Library? If so, come take over your Library! Teen Library Takeover will provide small one-time grants of up to $1,000 to groups of teens in the Redwood City and North Fair Oaks communities who have an idea for a Library program. Teams selected for the grants will receive help from Library staff to plan and deliver their programs. Submit your application online here by 5pm on Sunday, March 31. 

¿Es usted un adolescente que tiene una idea para un programa o actividad que le gustaría ver en la Biblioteca Pública de Redwood City? ¡Si es así, venga y participe en la toma de su Biblioteca! La Toma de la Biblioteca por Adolescentes proporcionará pequeñas subvenciones únicas de hasta $1,000 a grupos de adolescentes de las comunidades de la Ciudad de Redwood City y North Fair Oaks que tengan una idea para un programa bibliotecario. Los equipos seleccionados para las subvenciones recibirán ayuda del personal bibliotecario para planificar y ejecutar sus programas. Envíe su solicitud en línea aquí antes de las 5:00PM, el domingo, 31 de marzo, 2024.        

Have you heard the news? Our most recent Fixit Clinic was featured in stories from KQED News and CBS KPIX. Experience the sights, sounds, and excitement here:

• KQED: Bay Area’s “Fix-It” Culture Thrives Amid State’s Forthcoming Right-to-Repair Law
• CBS News: "Fixit Clinic" volunteers on Peninsula fight climate change by keeping gadgets out of landfills, January 25, 2024

The next Library Fixit Clinic event is on Wednesday, March 27, at 6:30pm. Everyone is welcome to participate! We will be joined by special guest Manzanita Works who will be sharing information about the new county-wide tool lending program. On the day of the event, bring in your broken, non-functioning item--electronic gadgets, appliances, computers, toys, sewing machines, bicycles, fabric items--with all of the necessary parts. Carry-in items only; no oversize items.

Ready to get involved?

• Register an item for repair at https://bit.ly/itemcheckin
• Register to be a volunteer Fixit Coach at http://bit.ly/inpersoncoachsignup. First-time Fixit Coaches and fixing families are always welcome! 

More information

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Rotary Club of Redwood City is tackling a modern-day women’s issue—Menstrual Equity. Across the United States, millions of people suffer the consequences of not being able to afford period products. This includes lost income and loss of time spent in the classroom. Menstrual Hygiene is a human right, not a privilege. The Rotary donation drive will give all products to Redwood City Public Library’s Teen Center and Project READ for distribution to the community. Consider making a donation through the Amazon wishlist.

A few facts to consider (State of the Period 2021):

• More than 4 in 5 students in the U.S. have either missed class time or know someone who has missed class time because they did not have access to period products
• Lower-income students and students of color, particularly Latinx students) are more impacted by lack of access than white and middle-income students
• 23% of Latinx students have had to choose between buying period products and food/clothing
• Poor menstrual hygiene promotes negative health outcome, including urinary tract infections.

How can I help?

1. Donate hygiene products such as tampons, pads and period underwear
2. Purchase an item on from the Amazon Wish List
3. Make a direct donation to the Rotary Club of Redwood City for the purchase of hygiene products

On Saturday, March 2 we were thrilled to host Kid Makers: Painting Banquet to 50 kids and families. This STEAM event was conceptualized and facilitated by San Mateo County Youth Cultural Ambassador and Redwood City resident Claire Sonnenburg. Claire made paints out of food to raise awareness of different cultures and the role of food and art in bringing people together. Thank you Claire for sharing your art with us!

To learn more about the San Mateo County Youth Cultural Ambassador program, go here.