Friends raise record $117,000; library staff report progress on Colonial Heights, Hegwin retrofit and staffing

The Friends of the Sacramento Public Library reported a record fundraising haul and library staff outlined progress on two branch projects and several operational items at the Sacramento Public Library Authority meeting July 24.

Devon, speaking for the Friends of the Sacramento Public Library, said the group held an all‑friends meeting June 22 at the North Natomas Library and that the organization secured a record amount in its Big Day of Giving effort. "It is an honor to present on behalf of the Friends of the Sacramento Public Library," Devon said. Library staff said the Friends raised $117,000 and plan to present a check to the authority at the next board meeting.

The fundraising is slated to support the library’s summer reading program and the BookFirst initiative, staff said. The Friends also described upcoming events including a children’s book program for foster children at the Book Den in August and a Friends board meeting scheduled for Sept. 9 via Zoom.

Director Coyle, the library’s executive team representative, updated the board on branch projects. He said Colonial Heights Library remains closed after fire damage and that the city — which is managing that construction project — is expected to bring related contracts and legal items to the city council at the end of the month; staff said reopening is expected next year but did not give a firm date. "Progress is happening," Coyle said of the Colonial Heights site.

Coyle said the North Sacramento Hegwin branch retrofit is scheduled to begin after library staff vacate the building; staff expect to turn the building over to the city around Aug. 1 so the city can start construction. He said the branch will include new services when it reopens, including a library of things funded in part by the Rotary Club of North Sacramento and a planned digital preservation lab for scanning and preserving photographs and other materials.

On staffing, Coyle said two executive positions are in active recruitment: the deputy director/chief public service officer search has a recruiting firm and candidate interviews will begin in the next few weeks, and the authority expects to have someone in that role by the end of the year depending on selection and availability. The chief human resources officer position was advertised and the announcement closes Aug. 4.

Coyle also told the board the library has an active social media presence, plans to launch a redesigned website and branding by the end of the year, and that visits have increased compared with the prior year. He did not provide an exact figure for total additional visits beyond noting an increase.

Board business: The authority approved the consent calendar by roll call after a motion from Director Serna and a second from Director Maple; the motion passed with eight members voting in favor, the clerk reported. There were no public comments on matters not on the agenda.

During questions, staff said the library’s summer lunch program is a drop‑in service with no enrollment and that staff will provide end‑of‑season participation numbers and summer reading sign‑up totals at the next board meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 3:38 p.m.