Title
a. Approve and authorize the Library Director to execute a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) for the term of May 23, 2023 to May 22, 2026 with the Friends of the Library Big Sur (“Friends”) to partner with Monterey County on Behalf of the Monterey County Free Libraries, and
b. Authorize the Library Director to execute up to three future annual amendments to the agreement that do not significantly alter the scope of work
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RECOMMENDATION/SUMMARY:
a. Approve and authorize the Library Director to execute a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) for the term of May 23, 2023 to May 22, 2026 with the Friends of the Library Big Sur (“Friends”) to partner with Monterey County on Behalf of the Monterey County Free Libraries, and
b. Authorize the Library Director to execute up to three future annual amendments to the agreement that do not significantly alter the scope of work
DISCUSSION:
The Friends of the Library Big Sur and Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) have had a long and productive partnership in support of the County’s branch in Big Sur. This has included the branch hosting a unique local history collection, owned by the Friends, which enables the public to be able to use the resources. The Friends also host book sales and conduct other fundraising activities to support materials and activities for the branch library. Their activities result in expansion of services available in Big Sur.
The MOU is to outline roles and responsibilities for each agency in this unique partnership. Detailed, for example, is the shared responsibility for the local history collection, including the right of the County to evacuate the collection if needed in a disaster. The branch facility arrangements are also a bit unique as the County owns the portable building that houses the library, while leasing the land the building is on. Other areas are similar to recently approved MOUs with other Friends of the Library groups in Marina, Carmel Valley, and King City.
The partnership is beneficial to both agencies, resulting in expanded services and materials available from the Big Sur Branch.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the MOU as to legal form. A copy of the MOU will be placed on file with Clerk of the Board.
FINANCING:
The MOU contains no financial provisions between the two agencies and will not impact the General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The Mission of Monterey County Free Libraries is to bring ideas, inspiration, information and enjoyment to our community. MCFL is a network of information centers serving the diverse communities of Monterey County by offering opportunities for all to succeed. Working with community support groups to enhance opportunities via County public libraries, directly serves this mission.
__Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Jacqueline C. Bleisch, Administrative Services Officer, (831)883-7576
Approved by: Hillary Theyer, Library Director, (831)883-7566
Attachments:
MOU Friends of the Library Big Sur