Trustees back proposing teen-area upgrade as MC Gives project after $98,301 fundraising year

Trustees heard a report on the library's MC Gives fundraising and discussed potential MC Gives projects that could attract donors and youth participation.

Staff reported that last year the library's Friends & Foundation raised $98,301.03 for general operations; $12,686 of that amount came from the campaign's pro rata match pool. The board discussed possible single-project ideas for an MC Gives application and identified upgrading the teen areanew shelving, seating, and program supportas the leading candidate because donors can see a visible outcome and because MC Gives generally favors youth-focused projects.

Trustees and staff discussed logistics for a successful application: gathering quotes, involving the teen advisory board in planning and outreach, and presenting a programmatic case showing how space changes would support measurable youth programming. Staff noted MC Gives usually funds programmatic or special-project efforts rather than major capital construction, and that some NCIP or special-project funds could be combined if appropriate.

A public commenter suggested actively soliciting proposals from local schools and teens to broaden outreach beyond the library's existing teen advisory board. The trustees agreed staff should present a proposed candidate project to the Friends & Foundation and request they file the formal MC Gives application on the library's behalf.