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 Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries (“Foundation”) 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 Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries (Foundation) 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 Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries and Monterey County Free Libraries (“MCFL”) have had a long and productive partnership. The County has provided space and support for Foundation operations and activities, while the Foundation has funded significant aspects of facilities and services through their philanthropy, grant-writing, and fundraising. These include ongoing support for the Summer Reading Program, Homework Centers, Literacy, Career Online High School, and the donation of a new Bookmobile in 2020. The Foundation also acts as a non-profit partner to all individual branch libraries that do not have an independent Friends of the Library group, applies for a myriad of grants for library services that are available only to non-profit agencies, and promotes library services throughout the County. This partnership is beneficial to both organizations, and expands services to the County as a whole.
The goal of formalizing the partnership through an MOU is to guide use of County space and resources, and outline areas of shared responsibilities. In addition to current areas of shared support, the Foundation and the County will expand support to include use of the Library Administrative Offices as an address for mail to the Foundation and storage of minimal Foundation physical files. Support will also include use of the Library Administrative Offices for Foundation Board and Committee meetings, or other events. These changes will allow the Foundation to devote more funding toward MCFL programs and services. Additionally, the Foundation will be able to use the fundraising module of a piece of software MCFL uses for Summer Reading Program. This will enable the Foundation to easily manage donations and pledges for activities such as read-a-thons.
Both the Foundation and leadership of MCFL are excited about continuing and expanding our partnership for the benefit of library services throughout the County.
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 between Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries and County of Monterey