Monterey Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting - September 24, 2026

The Board of Trustees of the Monterey Public Library met on September 24, 2026, to discuss advocacy strategies, review the library's budget in light of the city's structural deficit, and address routine matters. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, a detailed walkthrough of the library's finances, and planning for upcoming budget resilience workshops.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda, including minutes from the last two meetings and information reports, with three votes in favor and one abstention (the abstention related to the August minutes).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the two public comment periods (initial and later). No remote participants raised hands.

Discussion Items

• Library Advocacy Strategy: The board discussed goals for advocacy: identifying library needs requiring funding, creating a messaging strategy, and building a methodical pathway for engagement. They reviewed the pocket guide, planned events (e.g., an 1849 legacy society event at Colton Hall, block printing, walking tours, cemetery tours), and strategies for donor messaging, including highlighting the impact of donations of all sizes. They also discussed using census block group data to understand patron demographics and targeting outreach accordingly.
• Budget Resilience Workshops and Library Budget Review: The board considered attending the city's budget resilience workshops (also called "budget brews") to discuss the library's needs. They agreed to attend as individuals rather than as board representatives, ensuring no more than two trustees attend any single session to avoid a quorum. Director Brian (or library director) presented the library's FY2026 and FY2027 budget details, noting that the library cannot absorb a 10% across-the-board cut due to staffing and internal service fund costs. Key points included: utility costs rose to $98,000; the materials budget is at the same level as 20 years ago; potential revenue sources include charging for community room use and offering passport services. The director also noted that the library's general fund budget includes mandatory charges from other city departments (IT, risk management) that cannot be adjusted. They discussed the impact of potential closures (e.g., Monday hours) and the need to prioritize spending.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the consent agenda with one abstention.
• Agreed that board members would attend budget resilience workshops as individuals, with no more than two per session, and the director would send a calendar of dates.
• Identified that future board representation at city council budget discussions may be assigned via action items, but no formal action was taken.
• Director received a $7,000 grant from Pacific Library Partnership for technology upgrades to the solarium and study carrels.
• Planned to update the community room and add signage recognizing donors.
• No formal votes were taken on advocacy strategy items; discussions will continue.