Sacramento Public Library Authority Meeting - March 2, 2026

The Sacramento Public Library Authority met on March 2, 2026, at 4:17 p.m. (adjournment time) to discuss public comments, receive presentations on the Friends of the Library and safety and security, and approve action items including a branding MOU and the mid-year budget update. The meeting began with a quorum of eight members, with two members online.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Charlie Solt expressed concern about a vehicle in the Fair Oaks Library parking lot displaying offensive language (the F-word). He stated that the librarian who owns the vehicle refused to modify the message, and he asked the board to address the issue. Staff indicated they would follow up.
• Terrence Gladney, Director of TCG Academy, requested partnership and support for the Scripps National Spelling Bee regional program, noting that the library previously sponsored it. He invited board members to learn more and offered to send information.

Presentations

• Friends of the Sacramento Public Library: Devon Graves (Vice President) reported on the organization's February 1st meeting, updates to its constitution, and excitement about the new library brand. He urged approval of the MOU to codify the brand and expressed gratitude for the partnership. Chair Maple committed to attending a future Friends meeting.
• State of Safety and Security: Karen Leland (Safety and Security Manager) and her team presented data on security incidents from FY2024 to FY2026. Key statistics: total incidents increased from 1,469 (FY2024) to 1,516 (FY2025), with a projected 1,642 for FY2026. Behavioral incidents (verbal aggression, noncompliance, property-related) remain the dominant categories. Central Library and Valley High Library are hot spots. The rapid growth seen in previous years has stabilized, attributed to a new security vendor, after-hour security, and a security-first approach. Directors raised concerns about the upward trend, police call data, strategic planning, and partnerships with law enforcement. Director Lefkowitz suggested using social workers to address underlying issues. Chair Maple recommended using the 311 app for reporting encampments.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved unanimously via roll call with 12 votes.

Discussion Items

• Executive Director's Report: The executive director (participating remotely from Washington, D.C.) reported on federal advocacy for library funding (LSTA, IMLS, E-rate), a GAO report on library building conditions, and updates on branch construction projects: Colonial Heights meeting room ribbon cutting pending, Martin Luther King Jr. and Elk Grove Libraries on track for summer 2026, and North Sacramento/Hagenwood Library on schedule. He highlighted a harm reduction partnership, a successful volunteer recruitment event (70 attendees, 20 new literacy volunteers), and a teen after-hours takeover with over 100 teens.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of MOU with Friends of the Library (Item 7.1): The board unanimously approved an agreement regarding the use of intellectual property and a revised fundraising partnership policy. The Friends expressed strong support.
• Approval of FY2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Update and Supplemental Funding Allocation (Item 7.2): The board unanimously approved the budget update, which reflects a $430,000 net increase in the use of fund balance (total revenues $63.1 million, expenditures $70.1 million). Key changes include a $2 million diversion to the city for library construction projects, $1.7 million for HVAC projects, $500,000 for increased security costs, and $300,000 for reopening Sparkle collections at the Elk Grove Library. The supplemental funding allocation of $117,000 was approved. The forecast shows a structural deficit of $2.3–$3.9 million per year, with staff recommending continued fiscal prudence. Director Dickinson suggested reviewing long-vacant positions to address the deficit.
• Board Reports: No additional reports or questions were raised.