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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Berkeley Public Library Foundation?
	 
A: The Berkeley Public Library Foundation (BPLF) is one of two, non-profit, 501(c)(3) fundraising organizations that support the Berkeley Public Library system. The other is the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library.
   Founded in 1996 to raise money for furniture, fixtures and equipment for the Central Library during its renovation, the Foundation generated $4.2 million for the project. Although a separate entity from the Friends, library administration and Board of Library Trustees, the Foundation works in tandem with the three organizations to ensure that the library’s capital improvements and programs are being supported.
   Currently, the Foundation is embarked on a campaign to improve all of Berkeley's four branch libraries.

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Q: Who are the Friends of the Library?

A: The Friends of the Library has been in existence for nearly 50 years. They are an entirely volunteer organization that raises money for library programs through the sale of donated books. Until 1999, the Friends held an annual book sale to raise money for the library.  Currently, the Friends operate two bookstores, one at Sather Gate in Berkeley and one on the first floor of the Central Library. To find out information about donating books call the Friends’ office at (510) 981-6152. The Sather Gate Bookstore is (510) 841-5604 and the Central Library Book Shop is (510) 981-6211.

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Q: What is the purpose of the Emergency Collections Campaign?

A: The Berkeley Public Library is facing a $1.2 million deficit.  The largest single cause is the enormous increase in the Librarys required contributions to CalPERS, the retirement fund for state employees.  Because of the recent poor performance of CalPERS's stock portfolio, the amount the library must pay into the system has increased by almost 300%.  Workers compensation and health insurance costs have also increased.
   To respond to this crisis, the library has been forced to reduce hours, leave vacant positions unfilled, and lay off staff.  In addition, the books and materials budget has been reduced by 25%, or $300,000.  The Foundation, together with the Friends, has pledged to raise $300,000 to put essential books and materials back on the shelves and in the hands of library patrons.  If these funds are not raised, children may not find their favorite storybooks on the shelves; students wont have access to the most up-to-date reference books; there will be fewer books and services targeted for teenagers; recent immigrants will find fewer English as a Second Language materials; the wait will be longer for copies of recent bestsellers; there will be fewer new movies and PBS specials available in the video collection; the music collection will not stay up-to-date; and the library’s community history holdings will be neglected.
   Since the 2004 election, the mission of the Foundation to raise private support for the library has become more crucial than ever.  Measure L, which sought to address the library’s budget shortfall by increasing the Berkeley library tax, did not receive the two-thirds majority it needed to pass.  The Foundation is committed to supporting the Berkeley library in its time of need, and is confident that the Berkeley community will rise to the challenge.

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Q: What are the goals of the branch campaign?

A: The branch campaign will support the renovation of each of the four branches located in the South, North, West and Claremont neighborhoods.
   In the first phase, the Foundation is raising $525,000 to help pay for the planning process that will ready the branches for the construction phase. The construction costs will be paid for by a bond, either from the State of California or City of Berkeley. Currently, the library is preparing a proposal to submit to the state for Prop 14 funds which, if granted, would pay for construction of West Branch. Subsequent to this decision, the Library Board of Trustees will draft a bond measure to pay for construction for the three remaining branches, but will also include West Branch if the Prop 14 funds are not granted. The date for the bond election is currently set for November 2004.
   Once the bond passes, the Foundation will begin the capital campaign for the branches, raising money for furniture, fixtures and equipment.

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Q: Does the BPLF have a planned giving program?

A: Yes, the program is called the Library Legacy and is a collaboration of the BPLF and Friends of the Berkeley Public Library. Gifts can be directed to a general fund or may endow a particular program at the request of the donor. Currently, the Library Legacy is able to accept any national currency, real estate, automobiles or securities. For more information, please contact the Foundation office at (510) 981-6115.

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Q: Can the Library Foundation give donations directly to specific branches?

A: During the planning phase of the branch campaign, every branch benefits from the money being raised. Following the passage of a city bond to pay the construction costs, we will be asking for specific support at each location and offer recognition at individual branches.

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Q: Where do I call for answers to other Foundation questions?

A: Please contact the Foundation office at (510) 981-6115. We will be happy to hear from you.

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