Title
a. Authorize and approve the Director of the Monterey County Free Libraries to accept donations totaling $59,390 for purchase of library materials, programs, and supplies, and
b. Authorize and approve the Director of the Monterey County Free Libraries to accept donations totaling $450 for purchase of food and supplies for staff training, and
c. Authorize the Director of the Monterey County Free Libraries to take all steps necessary to implement purchasing or otherwise utilizing these donations.
Report
RECOMMENDATION/SUMMARY:
a. Authorize and approve the Director of the Monterey County Free Libraries to accept donations totaling $59,390 for purchase of library materials, programs, and supplies, and
b. Authorize and approve the Director of the Monterey County Free Libraries to accept donations totaling $450 for purchase of food and supplies for staff training, and
c. Authorize the Director of the Monterey County Free Libraries to take all steps necessary to implement purchasing or otherwise utilizing these donations.
DISCUSSION:
Monterey County Free Libraries is very fortunate to have dedicated non-profit and community support groups who regularly donate funds toward library materials, programs, and supplies. These include Friends of the Library groups at many branches, and the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries.
From July 23, 2025 - December 19, 2025, the following donations were received by the Monterey County Free Libraries:
7/23/25 Friends of the Andy Ausonio Library $400.00
7/29/25 Foundation for the Monterey County Free Libraries $48,766.70
8/5/25 Friends of the Andy Ausonio Library $400.00
8/13/25 Friends of the King City Library $250.00
8/16/25 Friends of the Marina Library $3,063.66
8/19/25 Friends of the Gordon R. Forrest Memorial Library $250.00
9/10/25 Friends of the Gordon R. Forrest Memorial Library $200.00
9/29/25 Friends of the King City Library $51.44
9/30/25 Friends of the King City Library $10.86
10/7/25 Friends of the Andy Ausonio Library $800.00
11/4/25 Friends of the Marina Library $917.05
11/4/25 Friends of the Marina Library $1,017.91
11/14/25 Friends of the Andy Ausonio Library $400.00
11/22/25 Friends of the King City Library $365.36
11/25/25 Friends of the King City Library $650.00
12/2/25 Friends of the Andy Ausonio Library $400.00
12/19/25 Friends of the Carmel Valley Library $769.45
12/19/25 Friends of the Marina Library $367.41
12/19/25 Friends of the Marina Library $310.17
In addition to supporting public programs, materials, and supplies, the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries and Friends of the Library groups donate to support an annual Staff Day for the Monterey County Free Library staff to gather, train, and engage. These donations cover all direct expenses for the training including food and printed materials.
The following donations were received by Monterey County Free Libraries for 2025 Staff Day:
8/15/25 Friends of the Carmel Valley Library $250.00
8/15/25 Friends of the Andy Ausonio Library $200.00
These donations assist Monterey County Free Libraries in continuing to enhance materials and programs for the public, as well as support and expand services to our communities.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel has reviewed this item and approved as to form.
FINANCING:
The donations are anticipated in the Department’s budget and are used for direct expenses on materials, programs, or supplies.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Additional support to enhance materials and programs at library branches supports the goals of the County of Monterey.
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, (831) 883-7559
Approved by: Hillary Theyer, Library Director, (831) 883-7566