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 they can charge their device and keep it within sight. Theft or vandalism is an issue, with patrons leaving devices unattended or accusing staff or requesting law enforcement be called for theft or damage to devices. The MCFL operational budget has supported supplies of various charging cords to libraries and use of charging cords by the general public in a busy library requires replacement due to wear and tear along with upgrades and changes in devices. MCFL has drawn down on the office supply budget to support other library services, and not every branch has a Friends group or other community support group to supply funds for these types of service enhancements. Patrons who use multiple branches are confused if one branch offers a charging option that another does not.
One option explored by the MCFL staff is adding charging lockers. These allow a charging station to be set up where each patron locks their device in a locker where they set up the code and can leave their device to use other areas of the library. The cords are all contained in the locker setup, which plugs into one wall outlet. MCFL staff collected input from other libraries where these are used, including visiting and trying the locker in use at the Monterey Public Library. Lockers are higher in initial cost, require installation on a wall or bolted into the floor, and the cords inside will eventually need to be replaced.
This grant is from the Pacific Library Partnership, and part of the “Innovation Grants” they offer to their member library systems. This grant will be used to purchase two charging lockers to pilot at the Marina and Seaside Libraries, and begin to replace some of the camp batteries with new and lighter models. Marina and Seaside were selected for the pilot due to available space near an outlet, high volume of patrons, high expressed need, and high incident reports related to personal devices.
Once the devices are installed, MCFL will collect experience on the device, installation, maintenance, and public use to determine if this is a viable option to pursue for other facilities to help meet this need for the public.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
County Counsel has reviewed as to form.
FINANCING:
The charging lockers and batteries will be funded by the grant. MCFL staff will work with County Facilities to install the devices, with the Library Department’s operational budget absorbing any additional costs for installation. Other ancillary costs to manage the grant and reporting, along with applicable signage and public information, 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:
As more information is accessible via mobile device, and public libraries are a critical hub for free and robust connectivity, more people are relying on their mobile device for critical needs and bringing these devices to the library. Charging devices at the library is a need for the public, and finding a way to meet that need that is safe for people and infrastructure is a goal to serve the public. Managing incidents, risk, and costs is an ongoing focus of Library Administration, along with finding long term solutions to ongoing and evolving public need.
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
X Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Jennifer Hansen, Administrative Services Officer, x7569
Approved by: Hillary Theyer, Library Director, x7566
Attachment:
Pacific Library Partnership Award Letter and Documents