LIB 08-06-25APPROVED MINUTES
LIBRARY COMMISSION
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
LIBRARY COMMISSION MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
At 7:01 p.m., Chair Zhao called the meeting to order at the Cupertino Library, 10800 Torre
Avenue, Room 201A.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present: Liyan Zhao, Janki Chokshi, Qin Pan, Minna Xu (7:04)
Commissioners absent: Chandra Sakthivel
City/County Staff present: Molly James, Bryant Bao, Jennifer Weeks
Guest Speakers: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Subject: June 4, 2025 Library Commission Meeting Minutes
Recommended Action: Review and approve the June 4, 2025 Library Commission meeting
minutes.
Chair Zhao motioned to approve the June 4, 2025 Library Commission meeting minutes as
submitted. Vice Chair Chokshi seconded. Motion carried with 4 yes (Zhao, Chokshi, Pan, Xu)
and 1 absent (Sakthivel).
POSTPONEMENTS
Chair Zhao motioned to re-order the agenda and hear Agenda Item #4 Monthly Update Reports
before Agenda Item #2 Cupertino Poet Laureate Subcommittee’s Recommendation of Thomas
Celerier for appointment of the new 2026-2028 Cupertino Poet Laureate. Vice Chair Chokshi
seconded. Motion carried with 4 yes (Zhao, Chokshi, Pan, Xu) and 1 absent (Sakthivel).
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
2. Subject: Cupertino Poet Laureate Subcommittee’s Recommendation of Thomas Celerier for
appointment of the new 2026-2028 Cupertino Poet Laureate
Recommended Action: Consider and approve the Poet Laureate Subcommittee's
recommendation of Thomas Celerier for appointment of the new 2026-2028 Cupertino
Poet Laureate for recommendation to City Council.
Agenda Item #4 Monthly Update Reports was heard before this item.
Vice Chair Chokshi informed the Commission that interviews took place and that the
subcommittee selected the recommended candidate, Thomas Celerier. Referred Commissioners
to Attachment A and reported that the candidate was very impressive with a lot to offer the
program.
Commissioner Xu informed the Commission that the other candidate had a great relationship
with previous Poet Laureates and had knowledge of the program history, however, was more
old fashioned and preferred in-person communication over technology. Added that the selected
candidate, Mr. Celerier, is very passionate, knowledgeable in marketing, and active over email.
Vice Chair Chokshi added that Mr. Celerier brings a fresh perspective with a new crowd of
people and a large social media presence.
Commissioner Xu added that Mr. Celerier is from France but does speak English.
Vice Chair Chokshi added that Mr. Celerier already had plans for the program, whereas the
other candidate was going to rely on information from previous Poet Laureates.
Vice Chair Chokshi motioned to approve the Poet Laureate Subcommittee’s recommendation of
Thomas Celerier for appointment of the new 2026-2028 Cupertino Poet Laurate for
recommendation to City Council. Commissioner Pan seconded. Motion carried with 4 yes
(Zhao, Chokshi, Pan, Xu) and 1 absent (Sakthivel).
3. Subject: Mayor’s Storytelling Initiative Subcommittee Update
Recommended Action: Receive an update from the Mayor's Storytelling Initiative
subcommittee.
Vice Chair Chokshi informed the Commission that Commissioner Sakthivel met with the
Mayor’s Initiative Committee. Provided updates from Commissioner Sakthivel’s discussion on
the Mayor’s Initiative Puzzle Hunt:
- Flyers and posters are ready
- Sponsorship program is ready
- Puzzle hunt is for kids and adults
- Recommendation to collaborate with the Arts and Culture Commission to include
public art in the puzzle hunt
- Recommendation for Library Commission to promote flyers at the Fall Fest event on
September 13
Commissioner Xu added that last Saturday, volunteers had a table outside of the library and
were able to interview more than 10 people. Requested clarification on whether or not it was
possible to put some flyers by the window of the library. Bryant Bao, Cupertino Community
Librarian, clarified yes and that there is a bulletin board area that is being relocated to the front
of the library.
Community Librarian Bao added that the library is also a puzzle hunt location and is an avenue
for promoting the [Mayor’s Initiative] events.
Chair Zhao recommended printing a banner for the entrance gate. Community Librarian Bao
clarified that approval for these requests is on a case-by-case basis, however, if this is part of the
City’s puzzle hunt then the library is happy to help as an official partner.
Commissioner Pan requested clarification on the puzzle hunt event and what it would look like
for the Arts and Culture Commission to get involved. Vice Chair Chokshi clarified that she
missed the first meeting, and the information provided was from Commissioner [Sakthivel].
Community Librarian Bao clarified that the puzzle hunt is similar to a citywide scavenger hunt
with 10 specific locations with clues and puzzles.
REPORTS/UPDATES
4. Subject: Monthly Update Reports
Recommended Action: Receive Monthly Update Reports from:
- Cupertino Community Librarian
Reported as submitted.
- County Librarian
Reported as submitted. Jennifer Weeks, County Librarian, reported prior to Community
Librarian Bao.
STAFF AND COMMISSION REPORTS
Recreation Manager James provided a Staff Liaison Update on the following:
- Summer Concert Series – Thursdays, through August 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the
Memorial Park Amphitheater.
- Movies in the Park - Fridays, August 8 to August 29 at 8 p.m. at Creekside Park
- Senior Center is collecting donations for Hidden Treasures now through October 10.
Visit cupertino.gov/hiddentreasures for a full list of acceptable donations.
- Senior Center Open House – Friday, August 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the
Cupertino Senior Center.
- Pooch Plunge – Saturday, September 6 from 9 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. at Blackberry Farm.
Advanced registration required.
- Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Academy hosted by Santa Clara
County Fire Department – October 7 through 25
o CERT training is a great way for residents to learn how to respond effectively
during emergencies. It provides practical skills to help others in a crisis and play
an active role in supporting the community. The training is conducted over
multiple days, typically spread across several weeknights and one weekend day.
o All in-person sessions will be held at Monta Vista Recreation Center.
FUTURE AGENDA SETTING
None
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Zhao adjourned the meeting at 7:57 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by,
Jessica Suntay, Administrative Assistant
Parks and Recreation Department
Minutes approved at the 10.01.25 regular meeting