Libraries are one of the few places in Silicon Valley where people enter for free and leave the richer for it. And I’m not just talking about the knowledge found between the covers of a book.
Discreetly located in the entrance of Los Gatos Library is a Comfort Cabinet; a series of trays brimming with travel-sized essentials for those most in need.
“The Comfort Cabinet began when we received a grant from the PLP (Pacific Library Partnership),” said Los Gatos Library Director Ryan Baker. “We wanted a way to provide extra supplies to our patrons who needed a little extra help.”
Since launching the Comfort Cabinet two years ago, the program has shared over 500 items with the community—on a no-questions-asked basis.
Baker said the initial $12,000 grant lasted two years. It will pay for furniture, trays, supplies, marketing and Clipper Cards—a sought-after item discontinued after the first year. Since then, donations from the library’s generous community have kept the Comfort Cabinet stocked.
“We host an Amazon wish list, where community members can purchase items for the Comfort Cabinet,” he said. “That way, we can provide the most consistent supply of items. The library cannot accept or share anything that has been opened, and most of the things we give out need to be individually wrapped. We do not supply razors, medication or perishable foods.”
The wish list offers a wide range of items for patrons to choose from. A pack of 144 antibiotic wipes, which prevent infections from cuts, scrapes and blisters, come to just $12. Hats, gloves and socks are cheaper-by-the-dozen, costing as little as $1 per item.
Granola and protein bars run out first, then tea bags and first-aid items
Advertising the wishlist throughout the year generally leads to an increase in donations, though Baker said there are a few patrons who donate to the Comfort Cabinet regularly.
Nutrition plays an important role in the health and wellness of at-risk communities here. Granola and protein bars run out first, then tea bags, and first-aid items like Band-Aids. Protein bars are a convenient snack that can be pocketed for later. Immunity-boosting vitamin C tablets and electrolyte sachets are also available—critical elements during heatwaves.
“These are individually wrapped and all are nut-free,” he said. “For more substantive food products we encourage our patrons to visit the West Valley Community Services (WVCS) Park-It Market mobile food pantry twice a month when it visits the Library parking lot. For hot meals, we direct people to the Live Oak Nutrition hot lunch service a block over from us.”
As items are single-use, the Comfort Cabinet runs the risk of running low amidst periods of inclement weather. Hand warmers go like hot cakes; ponchos prove essential during downpours.
During the summer, the risk of heat-related illness increases. Thankfully, the Los Gatos Library serves as a cooling center seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm. A water bottle refill station is located inside; sticks of sunscreen can be found in the Comfort Cabinet.
Even when the weather is within a more normal range, you can’t beat a brand new toothbrush and some toothpaste to feel human. (FYI a set of 30 toothbrushes can be purchased from the wish list for the price of a single coffee!)
The 2025 Point-in-Time Count Report for Santa Clara County found a 37% increase in families experiencing chronic homelessness, with women making up 28% of the unhoused population. However, the Comfort Cabinet trays lacked any menstrual or sexual health products.
“We stock free menstrual products in all restrooms, where people are most likely to need them,” Baker said. “Menstrual products were not funded by the grant, but Town funds.”
With 37% of Santa Clara’s unhoused population sheltering in cars, and 33% outdoors, per the count, access to restrooms promotes good health and hygiene and greatly increases quality-of-life for those individuals.
When asked about plans to expand the program, Baker remarked, “There’s always need. We are limited in what we can provide by space and funding. We are consistently reviewing our offerings to adapt to changing seasons and the needs of those in our community that need additional support.”
Andrew Carnegie once said libraries are, “A never-failing spring of all good influences.”
The Comfort Cabinet falls squarely within that tradition. Community flyers are there to assist those affected by homelessness, mental health challenges and substance abuse issues. You’ll also find information on transportation and the “Park-It Market” mobile food distribution system.
In case you didn’t know, the Los Gatos Anti-Racism Coalition’s Rental Assistance Program is open to all Santa Clara residents, assisting with a one-time emergency rental relief. Info: lgarc.org
The Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Navigator Program offers free, peer-led support services and connects people with a variety of other resources, including related to substance use and suicide prevention. bhnavigator.org
