Friends of the Brentwood Library donate $50,000; commission approves $80,000 from Holt trust for library improvements

Friends of the Brentwood Library presented the commission with two checks and described roughly $1.6 million in cumulative donations over 48 years of operation. The group said it funds library programming and capital enhancements, reports more than 500 members, and contributes thousands of volunteer hours.

Tricia Allison, president of Friends of the Brentwood Library, told the commission Friends has donated “approximately 1,600,000 to the library over our 48 year history” and presented $50,000 earmarked for programming. She outlined several other near-term contributions, including roughly $15,000 for a Charlie cart cooking station, $25,100 for an amphitheater enhancement via Leadership Brentwood, nearly $12,000 for chairs for the Vance Little table, and a one-time $7,000 check for staff development.

At the request of library representatives, the commission moved a consent item to new business (Resolution 2025-09) and then approved use of $80,000 from the John P. Holt trust account for interior improvements to the Friends Gathering Room. Assistant City Manager Jay Evans summarized the request, noting the funds will be applied toward new flooring, paint and furniture to refresh the room and to relocate the art lending library into the space.

Commissioners thanked Friends for volunteer time and donations. Commissioner McMillan noted the funds are earmarked for library improvements and that the Friends group has a record of sustained support.

Outcome: Resolution 2025-09 authorizing $80,000 in Holt trust funds for library interior improvements — approved unanimously.