Initiatives We Support
Since 1998 the Redwood City Library Foundation has provided almost $4 million of funding for resources, programs and services that take our library system to a new level of excellence.
Current Initiatives
Brainfuse
The Brainfuse initiative enables students of all ages to access online tutoring resources. Whether it is assistance with homework, getting a review and constructive feedback for an important essay, topic-specific tutoring, or even help creating a resume, library cardholders can leverage these resources on their lifelong learning journey.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Established in 2018, this initiative provides a variety of digital technologies that can be used by library patrons. RCLF funds 100 Wi-Fi hotspots available for checkout (for up to three weeks at a time) to patrons who need to mitigate slow or unreliable broadband access. Additionally, library users can access functional laptops for three-hour sessions in the library. Patrons, particularly those with children, can also access iPads with age-appropriate applications, at the Downtown, Redwood Shores and Schaberg branch libraries.
Career Online High School
COHS provides resources for adults to pursue their high school diploma and career certificates in high-demand, high-growth fields such as childcare education, general professional skills, and retail customer service training. In 2024, RCLF purchased laptops for that year’s graduates. These laptops recognize their hard work in completing their degree and helps the graduates extend their educational success beyond the program. For many of the students, COHS is the springboard to a better career and many even go on to seek college diplomas.
Furniture for Children’s Room/Teen Center
RCPL’s Family Place and the Teen Center now have new furniture thanks to funds provided by the RCLF. New chairs are coming to the family place this fall, which promise a more comfortable experience for the city’s young learners and families.
Makerspace
RCLF helped raise capital funds to renovate the space and open RCPL’s Makerspace in 2021. With the goal of cultivating community engagement and lifelong learning, the Makerspace provides volunteer coaching and tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing and embroidery machines, as well as laptops and computers to allow users to utilize the required software. RCLF’s fundraising continues to provide tools such as HEPA vacuum cleaners, and the hardware necessary to keep the Makerspace safe and on the cutting edge.
RCLF fundraising also supports interns at the Makerspace. These interns assist patrons with drop-in appointments to access the specialty equipment. This additional staff increases the availability of the equipment by providing more 1:1 appointment times for the public.
Summer Learning Challenge (SLC)​
A program proven to help reduce “summer learning loss,” the Summer Learning Challenge is an effort to keep our K-12 students reading over the summer. The RCLF raises funds to purchase more than 7,000 books (as it did during the 2024-2025 fiscal year). The books are distributed to students at their schools and through other outreach campaigns. Students read the books and complete reading logs, and at the end of summer, they get to pick another free book for their own home library.
Teen Internships
In response to funding cuts at the federal level that impacted the California State Library’s ability to pay for a teen internship program, the RCLF is funding the internships (with an assist from the Rotary Club of Redwood City) for 2025-2026. Teen interns will assist with the many children’s programs, all-important outreach efforts such as the Summer Learning Challenge, Makerspace support, and additional work that they do throughout the year. These internships are often a first job for teens, where they learn about responsibility, putting on a program, crowd management and teamwork.
Traveling Storytime
Pre-schools and daycare centers in Redwood City receive books for their students thanks to the generous heart of a donor to the RCLF. Traveling Storytime volunteers spend 30 minutes a week reading to a group of preschool-age students at these facilities. This effort aims to develop literacy and a love of reading for our city’s next generation. Learn about volunteering.