Title
Adopt a Resolution to Accept and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Documents to Receive Gift Funds in the Amount of $67,378 From the San Leandro Public Library Foundation from a Gift from Former Library Commissioner Donna Reed to the San Leandro Public Library for Library Enhancements
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Quality of Life
SUMMARY
The San Leandro Public Library Foundation was established in 1992 to raise funds to support the Library and Project Literacy. In 2024, the Foundation received a donation from the estate of Donna B. Reed, former Library Commissioner, in the amount of $67,378. At the wish of the donor, the funds have been designated to enhance a section of the children’s room at the Main Library, and purchase books and resources for the Main Library, Manor Branch, and new Mulford Branch. The Foundation will transfer the designated funds to the San Leandro Public Library so it may execute the terms of the donation. The donation will be disbursed for each project pending Foundation Approval. The first project will be $31,089.73. Future projects will be disbursed for the remainder of the $67,378.
The result of this first project funding will be to add new furnishings and decor for a section of the Main Library children’s room, creating a technology corner primarily for ages 6-11. The library will also add an online subscription for learning computer coding, as well as offer technology toys and resources to support learning coding, engineering, and other related topics. Future projects will be determined and use the balance of the gift.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommend the City Council adopt a resolution to accept the gift from the San Leandro Public Library Foundation and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents and appropriate all funds associated with the gift of $67,378 for the purpose of library enhancements.
BACKGROUND
The San Leandro Public Library Foundation was established in 1992 to raise funds to support the library and Project Literacy. The Foundation has generously provided funding for library materials, the seismic retrofit and expansion of the Main Library, library furnishings, electronic equipment, and library sculptures and art. The Foundation was instrumental in raising funds to establish the San Leandro History Room, located at the Main Library. Furthermore, the Foundation most recently committed $800,000 to the Mulford-Marina Library Replacement and continues to be a vital partner in providing contemporary library service to San Leandro.
Analysis
The Donna Reed donation provides $67,378 for library enhancements. The award will be in multiple disbursements per project dependent on the approval of the San Leandro Public Library Foundation.
Expenditure accounts will be created for each project for clear and easy tracking purposes.
Applicable General Plan Policies
• GOAL CSF-3 Sustain and expand a public library system that provides a destination for exploration and discovery, knowledge and information, leisure and cultural enrichment, and life-long learning opportunities for persons of all ages.
o Policy CSF-3.4 Libraries as Neighborhood Centers. Promote programs and events that affirm the role of the City’s libraries as community and neighborhood gathering places and that reflect the City’s diverse population.
o Policy CSF-3.5 Resources for Self-Improvement. Ensure that San Leandro’s libraries and other community institutions provide a setting for the open exchange of ideas and information and provide an opportunity for residents of all backgrounds to improve their skills and knowledge.
• GOAL CSF-5 Provide recreation and human service programs and activities commensurate with identified community needs.
o Policy CSF-5.2 Child and Family Services. Support the development of child and family services and programs that encourage safe and healthy environments for children and families.
Summary of Public Outreach Efforts
The Library conducts outreach to the community to find what resources and services are most appropriate for the community.
Legal Analysis
The City Attorney reviewed these documents and agreements and approved them as to form.
Financial Impacts
Acceptance of this donation will help offset costs for library enhancements not currently included in the FY 2026 and FY 2027 General Fund budget. This donation will be accepted and deposited into the 010-3803 Revenue Account upon disbursement by the Foundation, and appropriated and expended as follows:
Donna Reed Donation Project #1, Account 010-68-108 $31,089.73
Donna Reed Donatoin Project #2, Account 010-68-109 $18,144.14
Donna Reed Donation Project #3, Account 010-68-110 $18,144.12
Total $67,378.00
Future amounts for projects #2 and #3 listed above may differ based on future project needs, but will not exceed the available balance beyond the total gift amount of $67,378.00. This donation is earmarked and will solely be used for projects that meet the San Leandro Public Library Foundation’s approval. All expenditures are tracked to ensure appropriate oversight of the project and reporting of expenditures to the Library Director, who will report progress to the San Leandro Public Library Foundation.
Accepting this donation will enhance additional funds available to the Library Department over multiple fiscal years to support an essential community service and help fulfill the Council’s Quality of Life Priorities by providing contemporary enhancements to the Library’s facilities and operations.
ATTACHMENTS
A: Resolution to Accept and Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Documents to Receive Gift Funds in the Amount of $67,378 from the San Leandro Public Library Foundation, as the fiduciary agent of a Gift from Former Library Commissioner Donna Reed, for the Purpose of Library Enhancements
B: San Leandro Public Library Foundation Donation Award Letter.
PREPARED BY: Kelly Keefer, Supervising Librarian and Brian Simons, Library Director, Library Services Department