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Report regarding a resolution authorizing the acceptance of $10,000 from the Carnegie Foundation to support and enhance library services at the Grand Avenue Library and approving Budget Amendment Number 26.037. (Valerie Sommer, Library Director)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of $10,000 from the Carnegie Foundation and amend the Library Department’s fiscal year 2025-26 Operating Budget via Budget Amendment Number 26.037.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Library Department has been awarded $10,000 from the Carnegie Foundation as part of the Foundation’s initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by highlighting the way public libraries support an open and democratic society. The Foundation is donating funds to those currently operating public libraries whose construction had been originally funded with money from industrialist Andrew Carnegie in the early twentieth century.
In 1914, Andrew Carnegie donated $10,000 to support the construction of the Grand Avenue Library on City-owned land in downtown South San Francisco. This followed grassroots efforts led by local teacher Rue Clifford, who on horseback, gathered signatures as evidence of community support for construction of the library.
The Grand Avenue Library has continued to operate as a public library since its opening in 1916 It acted as the sole public library in the city until the construction of the West Orange Library in 1966.
Since 1916, the Grand Avenue Library has significantly transformed its services and facility footprint to optimize services to residents. This includes remodels and additions in the 1940’s, 1950’s, 1980’s, and as recently as 2016, when significant renovation added new furnishings, bathrooms, a patio, a community classroom, and state-of-the-art technology to the library.
The Grand Avenue Library continues to provide important services for South San Francisco residents, particularly children and parents. Over the last twelve months, just over 53,500 items were checked out of the Grand Avenue Library’s collection, of which more than half consisted of children’s materials. The library’s public programs, including story times, technology programs, and cultural programs such as the library’s Spanish language book club attract approximately 600 attendees per month. The library is a regular afterschool destination for students who do homework, participate in afternoon activities, or access the wireless internet. Adults regularly use the library to learn about community services, check out books, print vital documents, or access their email. The library’s community classroom doubles as a quiet workspace when not being used for programs.
The Carnegie Foundation’s gift includes no stipulations other than that the money is to be used to support library services. Library staff are considering various options, including updating furnishings and enhancement of the patio.
FISCAL IMPACT
Gift funds will be used to amend the Library Department’s fiscal year 2025-26 Operating Budget per Budget Amendment Number 26.037. Receipt of these funds does not commit the City to ongoing funding.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Acceptance of this gift will contribute to the City’s Strategic Plan under Priority #2, Quality of Life, by supporting library services.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council accept $10,000 in gift funds from the Carnegie Foundation. Receipt of these funds will support the City’s ability to enhance library services in the Grand Avenue Library and amend the Library Department’s fiscal year 2025-26 Operating Budget via Budget Amendment Number 26.037.