REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Consider Establishing a Library Foundation (Study Issue LCS 19-01)
Report
SUMMARY OF COMMISSION ACTION
The Board of Library Trustees considered this item on January 6, 2020.
The Board of Library Trustees voted to recommend that Council postpone a decision on forming a library foundation until a new main library or major renovation of the main library is approved. The vote was 4-0, with Trustee Mark Isaak abstaining.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Postpone establishing a Library Foundation until a new main library or major renovation of the main library is approved.
The Lakewood Branch Library and Learning Center is currently on track to be funded with existing City funding sources. Given that the primary purpose of a Library Foundation is fundraising for major capital campaigns and a compelling case statement is required for volunteer recruitment and effective fundraising, staff recommends that a decision be made regarding future main library replacement or renovation prior to the creation of a new Foundation or Friends/Foundation committee. Should construction of a new main library or major renovation be planned, staff recommends working with the Friends to add suitable Board Members to form a Foundation Committee under a merged model, including raising funds for professional staff to manage fundraising efforts.
Staff
Prepared by: Cherise Brandell, Director, Department of Library and Community Services
Reviewed by: Teri Silva, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Report to Board of Library Trustees 20-0108, January 6, 202...
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