Title
a. Authorize and approve the Director of the Monterey County Free Libraries to accept donations totaling $106,128 from various non-profit and community support groups for purchase of library materials, programs, and supplies, and
b. Authorize the Director of the Monterey County Free Libraries to take all steps necessary to implement purchasing or otherwise utilizing these donations
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize and approve the Director of the Monterey County Free Libraries to accept donations totaling $106,128 from various non-profit and community support groups for purchase of library materials, programs, and supplies, and
b. Authorize the Director of the Monterey County Free Libraries to take all steps necessary to implement purchasing or otherwise utilizing these donations
DISCUSSION:
These donations assist MCFL in continuing to enhance materials and programs for the public, as well as support and expand services to our communities, including craft supplies, books and facility beautification. The Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries and various Friends of the Libraries groups also donate to support the expenses of MCFL's annual Staff Day. This is a full day of training for all library staff and takes place in person so lunch and snacks are provided, enabling learning throughout the day. All funds expended on food and expenses for Staff Day are from these donations. The Friends of the Seaside Library support a bottled water service for staff use. This water is also shared with the Big Sur Library, which has no drinking water to the building.
6/16/26 Friends of the Marina Library $1,907.27
6/29/26 Friends of the Marina Library $2,855.16
7/1/26 Friends of the Andy Ausonio Library $400.00
7/20/26 Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries $5,000.00
(library opening groundbreaking ceremony)
7/20/26 Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries $92,225.00
(ongoing funding / includes donation for annual staff day)
7/22/26 Friends of the Carmel Valley Library $790.33
7/26/26 Friends of the Carmel Valley Library $300.00
(staff day donation)
8/04/26 Friends of the Andy Ausonio Library $200.00
(staff day donation)
8/04/26 Friends of the Andy Ausonio Library $400.00
8/22/26 Friends of the Gordon R. Forest Memorial Library $1,250.00
8/22/26 Friends of the Gordon R Forest Memorial Library $600.00
(staff drinking water support)
8/22/26 Friends of the Gordon R Forest Memorial Library $ 200.00
(staff day donation)
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:
Donations from non-profits that support library services allow enhanced programs, activities, and materials for the public.
Donations toward the direct costs of the annual staff day allow all the staff of the Monterey County Free Libraries to gather in person for training and service awards. As staff work across the County, offering food enables staff to participate.
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ 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, (831)883-7569
Approved by: Hillary Theyer, Library Director, (831)883-7566