Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Monterey Public Library Friends & Foundation Celebrates Successful Campaign During National Library Week

Monterey Public Library Friends & Foundation Celebrates Successful Campaign During National Library Week

April 3-9 is National Library Week, and the MPL Friends & Foundation (F&F) is delighted to announce the non-profit’s major fundraising campaign received contributions of
almost $350,000 over 18 months.

The campaign, launched in September 2020 and dubbed Monterey Learns! The Campaign for MPL, surpassed its $300,000 goal, raising $349,675 for library collections, programs, and services.

With a pandemic-related loss of $32 million to the City budget, the Library closed its doors March 2020. In June 2020, the Library was the first in the County to offer contact-free “Sidewalk Service", with a reduced staff of four employees and a remarkable cadre of volunteers who made it possible for our community to borrow 263,333 books.

Thanks to 498 generous donors, campaign funds made it possible for the Library to:
  • buy thousands of new books, ebooks, DVDs, audiobooks
  • restore magazine and newspaper subscriptions
  • acquire 21st century circulation technology
  • resume bookmobile service to communities in need
  • offer virtual presentations to thousands of adults in our community and beyond
  • reintroduce in-person children’s programs to support social and emotional learning
  • replace obsolete laptop computers for public use
  • add California History Room staffing and collections
Over and above the almost $350,000 raised in Campaign funds, the Library was the recipient in January of $144,000 in grant funds to replace the bookmobile in 2023. This State grant, administered by the California State Library, is the Library’s largest in 20 years.

The MPL Friends was established in 1999. The Friends Board voted in January 2020 to become the MPL Friends & Foundation, the new name signifying an expanded mission: seeking larger donations to enhance library services now and for generations to come.

While the City’s revenue forecast has improved steadily in recent months, charitable support is still critical. For more information, or to make a gift, please email or call the MPL Friends & Foundation at info@investinmpl.org or (831) 646-5605.