Media Contact:
Christa Bigue
San Mateo County Libraries
Communications@smcl.org
SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Getting everyone on the same page just got easier. San Mateo County Libraries is launching Book Club in a Bag, a new offering designed to provide patrons with a simple, efficient way to check out everything needed for a book club, including enough copies of one title for the whole group.
Launching this week during National Library Week (April 19–25), this year’s theme, Find Your Joy, celebrates the essential role libraries and staff play in transforming communities. Book Club in a Bag reflects that spirit, creating opportunities for connection, discovery and shared experiences.
Each bag includes 10 copies of a selected title, two in large print, along with a toolkit featuring discussion questions and tips for leading a group, making it easier than ever for readers to gather, connect and enjoy book club together.
The program was developed through San Mateo County Libraries’ Pitch It! initiative, an internal innovation program that invites staff to propose ideas to better serve the community. Past Pitch It! successes include the popular bicycle and sewing machine checkout programs.
“Book Club in a Bag reflects the creativity of our staff and our commitment to meeting community needs in thoughtful, innovative ways,” said Anne-Marie Despain, Director for San Mateo County Libraries. “It makes it easier for people to connect, share ideas and build community through reading whether at home, in a library or anywhere people gather.”
That spirit of innovation is exactly what inspired the program’s creators, two librarian assistants with San Mateo County Libraries who recognized an opportunity to solve several challenges with one thoughtful idea. Patrons often visit the library looking for copies of their book club’s next selection, only to encounter long waitlists for popular titles. At the same time, libraries may have extra copies of formerly high-demand books once interest naturally declines.
This new service transforms those surplus materials into a new community resource, making it easier for groups to read together while giving books renewed purpose.
Each library location, opens a new window, including the Bookmobile, will offer kits as part of an initial pilot, with the flexibility to adapt based on community interest. Designed primarily for patron-led groups, the kits can also support staff-led discussions and community programming.
“This is a great example of how our libraries continue to evolve to meet the needs of our communities,” said Julia Mates, Belmont Mayor and Chair of the Library Governing Board. “Programs like this expand access, encourage connection and create welcoming opportunities for people to learn and engage with one another.”
To check out a Book Club in a Bag or learn more about available titles, visit smcl.org/bcib
Find library locations and more information about San Mateo County Libraries at smcl.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 for information about our community libraries, extensive digital and physical collections, innovative services, and numerous online resources and virtual programs and events.
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