EXCLUSIVE: CA First Partner expands book club, spotlights libraries amid threats to public funding

SAN ANSELMO, Calif. (KGO) -- Federal funding for public libraries, often referred to as "third places," remains threatened. Earlier this year, President Trump issued an executive order and other actions targeting critical library services. The push has led to a multi-state lawsuit against his administration.

However, the risk isn't slowing support for these community hubs.

California's First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, a North Bay native, recently expanded her summer book club to celebrate libraries as community treasures.

"I love the rhythm of it and the poetic beauty of it," the First Partner said, as she walked shoulder to shoulder with author JaNay Brown-Wood outside the San Anselmo Public Library.

Brown-Wood's book, "Here are the Seeds," is displayed in what is called the library's story walk, which gives the community access to the children's book beyond library hours. The installation of the story walk was made possible after the San Anselmo Public Library received a $1,000 Book to Action grant from the California State Library.

"We live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and we have to take care of her," Siebel Newsom said. "So, reading books and learning about Mother Nature, and the cycles of life, and science - and appreciating that... Just sparking curiosity for young people. And hopefully, they keep coming back and wanting to learn more. And hopefully, they will be our environmental stewards of the future."

The First Partner referenced a few of the various themes that are being spotlighted on a list of 20 books, curated by librarians across the state. The books are now available to check out at nearly 900 California libraries.

Other themes represented on the book list include: positive girl representation, environmental leadership, healthy lifestyles, and youth mental health.

On Monday, Siebel Newsom and Brown-Wood teamed up for a free, community story time outside the First Partner's hometown library in San Anselmo.

"I came here as a child, I checked books out as a child, my kids all have library cards, I've worked here, I've studied here," she shared about the San Anselmo Public Library.

Monday's reading was a nod to her now year-round and expanded book club, which is part of her California for ALL Kids initiative.

"That's really about taking advantage of these third spaces that are quite vulnerable, that the current administration has really taken an ax to and threatened," she said. "And so, we just want to remind everyone of the value of libraries and parks as essential third spaces."

As Siebel Newsom celebrates this public resource, there's no denying the potential risk to funding.

Under President Trump's request, Congress is considering a budget bill that would eliminate federal funding for libraries and museums. Earlier this year, the Trump Administration mandated the reduction of seven agencies. Included is the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which funds libraries around the country.

California was one of 21 states to sue the administration in federal court.

"We think of our library as the jewel in Downtown San Anselmo," library director Linda Kenton said. "But truly, libraries are critical in all of our communities. We offer so much."

Siebel Newsom pointed to how potential cuts could impact literacy development, reliable internet access for those without it at home, support for the mental health and well-being of all California children, and so much more.

She explained it would be a detriment, especially for those who may find refuge within the resource.

"I think the balance was just so healthy and expanded, for me in my mind, what was possible in the world," she said about her own experience as a child with access to library services. "And also, when my sister passed, was really, really healing for me. And so, in that regard, I feel like it's such a gift to children. To escape from the stresses, of either trauma or everyday life into a book, into another world. And so, I'm a big, big fan of books and literature, and libraries."