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Friends donate $10,000 and foundation reports grants to keep Palm Springs ZIP Books and fund children’s spaces
Summary
Friends of the Palm Springs Library donated $10,000 to sustain the ZIP Books program after the state library did not fund it; the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation reported grants totaling $42,500 for children’s spaces and related projects.
Trustees heard July 1 that community partners have stepped in to sustain key library programs and support children’s spaces.
Julie, representing the Friends of the Palm Springs Library, said the Friends donated $10,000 to allow the ZIP Books program to continue after the California State Library did not include funding for ZIP Books in the next fiscal year. The Friends also plan book sales and a house-tour fundraiser tied to Modernism Week to generate additional support.
Jim Gray, president of the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation, said the foundation is finalizing a three- to five-year strategic plan and reported recent grant awards: $17,500 from the Barker Foundation for the children’s space (matching a donation from Big Horn Cares) and $25,000 from the Anderson Children’s Foundation for a Children’s Nook. He also noted a grant from the Palm Springs Rotary Club to support equipment such as digital printers and said the foundation’s finance committee has signed off on a draft 2026–27 budget.
Trustees thanked both the Friends and the foundation for their fundraising work; no board action was required. Staff said these funds will be used to support reopening, programming and children’s area improvements.
