Friends group donates more than $120,000; library reports 12% jump in summer reading participation

The Friends of the Sacramento Public Library presented a donation of more than $120,000 to Sacramento Public Library on Sept. 25 and briefed the board on recent affiliate work and fundraising events.

Diane Gregory, a Friends treasurer and McClatchy Library board member, said the Big Day of Giving campaign raised “more than a $120,000 raised by people in Sacramento and far beyond.” Devon Graves, vice president of the Friends, reviewed affiliate activities including book sales (an October 19 antiquarian sale) and work on succession planning among local Friends groups.

Library Director Peter Coyle and board members thanked the volunteers. Director (unnamed in transcript) told the board that Friends’ funds “help our students in our distribution of books to our young people,” and the authority encouraged continued partnership for events and programs.

Separately, Amanda Faulk, who presented the Summer Reading and Lunch at the Library report, said systemwide participation in summer reading rose 12% over the prior year and that staff recorded nearly 260,000 books read and awarded more than 6,000 medals to readers of all ages. She also reported that thousands of meals were served through Lunch at the Library and credited youth services staff, branch staff and Friends volunteers for the results.

Faulk said teen program coordinators were selected and paid for their work and noted communications staff helped share stories on the library’s channels. Directors offered brief thanks; there were no votes or formal actions tied to the presentations.