Media Contacts:
Christa Bigue
San Mateo County Libraries
communications@smcl.org
Jaime Wong
San Francisco Public Library
jaime.wong@sfpl.org
SAN MATEO COUNTY/ SAN FRANCISCO — San Mateo County Libraries and San Francisco Public Library are teaming up in celebration of Library Day with the San Francisco Giants on Sunday, April 26, bringing together the love of reading, community and baseball for fans across the Bay Area.
Libraries and baseball are two cherished American institutions that have long bonded people together across generations. Both serve as welcoming gathering places where memories are made, connections are formed and community is strengthened, making this regional partnership especially meaningful. This year, alongside San Mateo and San Francisco, 22 total library systems across the Bay Area welcome books and baseball fans of all ages to its second annual Library Day with the Giants.
The day begins with a free pre-game community celebration at China Basin Park in San Francisco, located just across McCovey Cove from Oracle Park. Beginning at 10 a.m., the family-friendly event will feature hands-on maker activities, a reading garden, special edition Giants-themed library cards and opportunities to connect with libraries from across the Bay Area. No game ticket is required to attend the pre-game event.
The celebration continues inside Oracle Park when the San Francisco Giants take on the Miami Marlins at 1:05 p.m.
“This partnership is a wonderful example of how libraries can bring people together beyond our library walls,” said Anne-Marie Despain, Director of San Mateo County Libraries. “We’re proud to celebrate reading, creativity and community alongside San Francisco Public Library, additional Bay Area libraries and the Giants.”
“Libraries and baseball both create lasting traditions and joyful shared experiences,” said Michael Lambert, San Francisco Public Library’s City Librarian. “We’re thrilled to join San Mateo County Libraries for a day that celebrates literacy, connection and civic pride while welcoming people together in two of our most beloved public spaces.”
Through the libraries’ partnership with the SF Giants, special event tickets, opens a new window that directly benefit each library system are available for the April 26 game. From every designated San Mateo County Libraries ticket sold, $5 will go to the Foundation for San Mateo County Libraries, opens a new window, supporting programs, services and expanded access to library resources. Likewise, $5 of every designated San Francisco Public Library ticket sold benefits the SFPL’s literacy and learning programs for children, teens and adults.
Pre-Game Celebration Highlights:
- Hands-on maker activities for all ages
- Reading garden and relaxation space
- Special Giants-themed library cards
- Opportunities to connect with Bay Area libraries
- Free and open to the public
Event Locations:
Pre-Game Community Celebration
China Basin Park
1 China Basin Park
San Francisco, CA
Game Location
Oracle Park
24 Willie Mays Plaza
San Francisco, CA
For tickets, event details and participating library information, visit smcl.org, opens a new window or sfpl.org, opens a new window.
About San Mateo County Libraries
San Mateo County Libraries is a Joint Powers Authority that operates libraries in the communities of Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, North Fair Oaks, Pacifica, Portola Valley, San Carlos and Woodside. San Mateo County Libraries ignite growth through transformative experiences. Visit smcl.org, opens a new window for information about our community libraries, extensive digital and physical collections, innovative services, and numerous online resources and virtual programs and events.
About San Francisco Public Library
San Francisco Public Library connects our diverse communities to learning, opportunities and each other. The library system is made up of 27 neighborhood branches, the San Francisco Main Library at Civic Center and four bookmobiles. Visit sfpl.org, opens a new window for more information.