Title
a. Approve and authorize the Library Director or designee to accept a grant from the Pacific Library Partnership for $5,825 to purchase device charging lockers and other technology; and
b. Approve and authorize the Library Director or designee to accept non-standard elements of the grant award.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Library Director or designee to accept a grant from the Pacific Library Partnership for $5,825 to purchase device charging lockers and other technology; and
b. Approve and authorize the Library Director or designee to accept non-standard elements of the grant award agreement.
SUMMARY:
Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) has been awarded a grant from the Pacific Library Partnership to purchase device charging lockers for the Marina and Seaside Libraries, and other technology enhancements.
DISCUSSION:
MCFL locations frequently are used by patrons to charge personal devices such as laptops and cell phones. This leads to operational costs in supplying charging cords, the “hunt” for available electrical outlets in our older facilities, and incidents involving devices left unattended. During the pandemic, each branch purchased a portable camp battery and multiple charging cords to help serve people when libraries were not open for charging, and many branches continued to use these batteries inside to offer the same service. These batteries are nearing end of life.
The MCFL staff has experimented with multiple options to offer charging in a cost-reasonable and risk-managed manner. Tying charging cords to the wall or outlet, setting up a charging station with surge protectors, and handing out charging cords to patrons are all in use at various facilities, all with benefits and drawbacks. Patrons will gather around available outlets in entry ways or other hazardous locations, creating tripping hazards with cords or sitting on the floor so th...
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