The RCPL CARES (Cultivating and Advancing Racial Equity Systemically) team will be selecting books for the library collection that further our equity and inclusion goals. These materials will be on a variety of health topics and will be both fictional and non-fiction selections. Materials will be selected for the young adult and adult collections. The library has a current Health collection that will be enhanced by providing materials that represent a more diverse range of voice and by people of color.  

The library frequently partners with medical professionals to provide programming that with provide opportunities for the community to gain knowledge on health topics. Some examples of partnerships with local health professionals include Stanford Health Library, Kaiser Permanente, El Concilio (Mexican Consulate), Sequoia Hospital, Alzheimer’s Association, Stroke Association, the County Mental Health Partners, Caminar (Alliance for the Mentally Ill), and County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. The Collection Equity Outreach Award will provide access to books on a variety of topics which will be enhanced by partnerships with these different health professionals.  We will continue to provide opportunities for the community become educated on topics of importance to our residents.