Title
Approve the Library Director to renew and amend and extend a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Friends of the Library Big Sur, retroactive to May 23, 2026, for an aggregate term of May 23, 2026 to May 22, 2027 and making minor changes to provisions.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Approve the Library Director to renew and amend and extend a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Friends of the Library Big Sur, retroactive to May 23, 2026, for an aggregate term of May 23, 2026 to May 22, 2027 and making minor changes to provisions.
SUMMARY:
Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) will continue partnership with the Friends of the Library Big Sur (Friends) in support, collections, and programming at the Big Sur Branch Library.
DISCUSSION:
MCFL partners with various community organizations, non-profits, and other government agencies to bring a variety of opportunities to the community via branch libraries. This increases and enhances free and local options for engagement and learning. Friends of the Library groups, supporting local branch libraries through partnership and philanthropy, are important collaborations that meet the needs of communities.
In 2023, MCFL and the Friends of the Library Big Sur formally documented a longstanding collaboration and partnership. This includes MCFL staff offering access to a local history collection owned and maintained by the Friends and collaborating on support for the Big Sur Branch Library. The Board of Supervisors approved the MOU on May 23, 2023 for a term of three years, with options for amendments.
MCFL and the Friends began work on an amendment to extend the term and add minor changes to provisions in February, 2026. Due to miscommunication, the MOU expired on May 23, 2026. To continue this productive partnership, this is a request to renew and amend and extend the MOU, adding one year to the term and making minor changes to provisions.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
County Counsel has reviewed as to form.
FINANCING:
Minor ancillary costs to MCFL, such as assisting the public in use of the local history collection owned by the Friends, will be absorbed into the MCFL operational budget. There is no impact to the General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
Ongoing opportunities for the community to have free and accessible learning options.
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Prepared by: Jennifer Hansen, Administrative Services Officer, x7569
Approved by: Hillary Theyer, Library Director, x7566
Attachments:
MOU Friends of the Library Big Sur Renew and Amend 6.2026
MOU Friends of the Library Big Sur 5.2023