TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement with the Friends of the Long Beach Public Library, a California nonprofit corporation, to use the Council Chamber or alternate public City facility up to six times each year for public events for the period of August 1, 2019 to December 31, 2044. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Friends of Long Beach Public Library (Friends of LBPL) established the Blanche Collins Forum in 1977 to bring free programs of significance to Long Beach residents in the field of art, literature, or current events. Past presenters include Dr. Sally Ride, Chief Justice Rose Bird, Pulitzer Prize Winner and American Journalist Norman Cousins, Los Angeles Poet-Laureate Luis J. Rodriguez, and internationally acclaimed bestselling authors Ray Bradbury and Lisa See. The events have been held in the Main Library Auditorium, which has seating capacity of 286, and is adjacent to the Auditorium Lobby for pre- and post-events. The Department of Library Services (Department) has provided the venue to the Friends of LBPL for these free events since the inception of the Blanche Collins Forum, and anticipates 250 - 300 attendees at future events. The new Main Library, scheduled to open in the summer of 2019, will not have the capacity to accommodate high-attendance public events.
The Friends of LBPL proposes to provide up to six free programs for youth and families per calendar year. Programming will be coordinated with the Department of Library Services, and approved in advance by the Director of Library Services (Director). By July each year, the Friends of LBPL will submit to the Director for approval, an annual calendar of programs and events. In exchange for the Friends of LBPL providing educational and cultural programming to youth and families not currently provided by the Department of Library Services, the City agrees to waive all fees associated with using the Council Chamber or alternative City facility. The Friends of LBPL understand that they may need to alter their programs and events to accommodate City Special Events and Filming activities as well as City Council, committee and commission meetings. The Friends of LBPL will purchase and maintain all applicate insurance and endorsements, as required and approved by the City’s Risk Manager.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on March 12, 2019 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on March 25, 2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on April 9, 2019, to enter into an agreement with the Friends of LBPL in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
Friends of LBPL will cover the costs of the six yearly proposed programs and events, except for cost to open City facilities if the events are not conducted during normal business hours, such as security personnel. Any associated costs not covered by the Friends of LBPL at these events will be offset by the Library Services Department (LS). While Library Services fees are being waived in exchange for the Friends of LBPL providing valuable youth and family programs and events, the fiscal impact is minimal since a similar agreement has been in place for many years. This recommendation is not expected to require additional staff hours beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
GLENDA WILLIAMS
DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER