Title
Adoption of Resolution Amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Increasing Revenue Appropriations in Grants Fund (Fund 222) by $10,000 for a Grant Received for the Library and Increasing Expenditure Appropriations in the Library Fund by $10,000. (Library 21052300)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Adam Politzer, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Carnegie Corporation of New York (Carnegie Corporation) recently awarded the Alameda Free Library (Library) a $10,000 grant as part of its Carnegie Libraries 250 special initiative.
Staff recommends City Council adopt a resolution amending the budget to increase revenue in Grant Funds by $10,000 to accept the award and increase appropriations in the Library Fund by $10,000.
BACKGROUND
The Alameda Free Library will receive a $10,000 gift from Carnegie Corporation, the foundation established by Andrew Carnegie. The gift is part of Carnegie Libraries 250, a special initiative celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and honoring the approximately 1,280 Carnegie Libraries still serving their communities across the United States.
In 1899, Carnegie Corporation provided a gift of $35,000 to fund construction of the library located at the corner of Oak Street and Santa Clara Avenue. Opening in 1903, Alameda’s Carnegie Library served generations of Alamedans until it closed in 1998. It is one of 126 Carnegie Libraries built in California.
DISCUSSION
On October 22, 2025, the Library received notice from Carnegie Corporation that it had been awarded a $10,000 gift in commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 1,681 public libraries funded by Andrew Carnegie between 1886 and 1917.
Carnegie was driven by his belief that public libraries are “cradles of democracy.” A sentiment that was true in 1899 and remains true today.
There are no restrictions on how the funds may be used. The Library will identify a use for the funds that ensures a significant community impact.
Staff recommends City Council adopt a resolution amending the budget to increase revenue and in the Grants Fund (Fund 222) by $10,000 to accept the award and increase appropriations in the Library Fund (Fund 210) by $10,000.
ALTERNATIVES
• Amend the budget to increase revenue in Grants Fund by $10,000 and expenditures in the Library Fund by $10,000.
• Decline to amend the budget to increase revenue and expenditure appropriations of the Carnegie Corporation of New York funding. This may require staff to decline the grant funding.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
City Council action is required to accept a $10,000 grant given to the Library by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and to increase the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Grants Fund revenue by $10,000 and appropriate $10,000 in increased expenditure budget in the Library Fund.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action supports the City of Alameda’s Fiscal Years 2023-25 Strategic Plan Priority to Enhance Community Safety & Services.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” as defined in the California Environmental Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 and therefore no further CEQA review is required.
CLIMATE IMPACT
There is no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this report.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget to increase revenue in the Grants Fund (Fund 222) by $10,000 and to increase expenditure appropriations in the Library Fund by $10,000 to use the funds.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Eitner, Library Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Ross McCarthy, Finance Director