DATE: October 6, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Sally Gomez, County Librarian
SUBJECT: Department Celebration and Recognition
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Library to recognize and celebrate Diwali, in compliance with Administrative Policy No. 81.
REPORT
There is no increase in Net County Cost (NCC) associated with the recommended action. The recommended action requests Board approval to recognize and celebrate Diwali, for five years or until approval is rescinded by the Board, in compliance with Administrative Policy No. 81 (AP 81). This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Should your Board not approve the celebration or recognition of Diwali, the Library will not officially and publicly celebrate or recognize the observance.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no NCC associated with the recommended action. Costs associated with program supplies and implementation will be covered within Org 7511. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues are included in the Library Org 7511 FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget and are funded through Measure B library sales tax revenue.
DISCUSSION:
On August 5, 2025, your Board discussed and provided direction for an approval process for celebrations by County departments. On September 9, 2025, your Board approved AP 81 - Department Celebrations and Recognitions, which allows County departments to officially and publicly celebrate or recognize those celebrations that are approved by a majority of the Board of Supervisors by resolution, proclamation, or through the agenda item process prior to their occurrence. In accordance with AP 81, the Library is requesting to recognize and celebrate Diwali.
Diwali is a significant festival in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. Diwali is celebrated as the festival of lights, during which homes are decorated with candles. Diwali projects the rich and glorious past and teaches its observers to uphold the true values of life. Diwali is celebrated with worship, sharing sweets, fireworks and lights. While the story varies from region to region, its essence remains the same. People learn to rejoice in the inner light and the underlying reality of things.
The proposed observance may be recognized either through Library displays, booklists, website announcements, social media posts, internal or external newsletters, activities, and informational materials that can be themed around the observance, to raise awareness of Library services and encourage community engagement. Social media and the Library website will include a web banner and social media posts acknowledging the day. Book displays and programs will highlight the celebration, its history, and its significance.
The proposed observance represents the Library’s core services, which include providing relevant and meaningful programs and services that reflect community needs. These programs are a part of the regular and traditional offerings that foster social connections and support cultural and civic engagement and lifelong learning.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #7, September 9, 2025
BAI #9, August 5, 2025
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Department Celebration Form
CAO ANALYST:
Mary Lu Valencia