Title
a. Approve and authorize the Library Director or designee to accept a grant from the Pacific Library Partnership for $9,000 to expand materials available in the Outdoor Adventure Kits collection at the Monterey County Free Libraries; and
b. Approve and authorize the Library Director or designee to accept non-standard elements of the grant award agreement; and
c. Approve and authorize the Library Director or designee to accept up two to amendments or increases in this grant award that do not substantially change terms and conditions or increase the grant award more than 20% ($1,800) for a total not to exceed $10,800.
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 $9,000 to expand materials available in the Outdoor Adventure Kits collection at the Monterey County Free Libraries; and
b. Approve and authorize the Library Director or designee to accept non-standard elements of the grant award agreement; and
c. Approve and authorize the Library Director or designee to accept up two to amendments or increases in this grant award that do not substantially change terms and conditions or increase the grant award more than 20% ($1,800) for a total not to exceed $10,800.
SUMMARY:
Monterey County Free Libraries has been awarded a grant from the Pacific Library Partnership to add more materials and enhanced development of the Outdoor Adventure Kits, a part of the Library of Things collections.
DISCUSSION:
Monterey County Free Libraries has a variety of kits in the Library of Things collections. These include bundles of books and toys, along with select equipment or specialized items. All Library of Things collections are intended to be borrowed by the public, and provide a variety of formats for a purpose or on a theme, bundled into one kit for easy checkout. Library of Things include Dementia Kits for older adults and caregivers, Mental Heath Kits on a variety of topics, telescopes, companion pets, and items like emergency radios, and page magnifiers. They are available at no charge to Monterey County Free Library cardholders, and Monterey County Free Libraries issues library cards to all residents of California.
In Summer 2025, Monterey County Free Libraries added Outdoor Adventure Kits to the Library of Things. These included equipment for games such as badminton and croquet, a set of binoculars and a guide for bird watching, and kits for hiking or stargazing. These kits are aimed at getting families outdoors and physically active, enjoying the recreational and natural amenities already present in their communities.
The Pacific Library Partnership offers innovation grants to member libraries, and Monterey County Free Libraries applied for this grant to continue expansion of the Outdoor Adventure Kits. The grant will fund both additional kits and replacement materials to sustain the life and usefulness of the kits.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
County Counsel has reviewed as to form.
FINANCING:
All direct expenses will be funded by the grant. Other ancillary costs such as time to manage the grant and prepare the items for checkout, are able to be absorbed into the Library Department’s operational budget. The Department’s operational budget anticipates grant funding throughout the year, so no additional appropriations are necessary.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
Ongoing public access to materials that enhance quality of life, and enable members of the public with limited discretionary funds to have full opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and our shared public spaces.
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Prepared by: Ava Rivera, Senior Account Clerk, x7559
Approved by: Hillary Theyer, Library Director, x7566
Attachment A:
Application guidelines, award letter and claim form