Berkeley Public Library Foundation

Program 2: Capital Improvements. The Berkeley Public Library Foundation helps reimagine, renovate, and equip library spaces to better serve the community. The Berkeley Public Library is one of the most heavily used systems in California, with over 143,000 registered cardholders, 1.4 million physical items circulated annually, 1.3 million digital items accessed, a collection of more than 457,000 physical materials, and 1.3 million digital titles. Each year, the Library hosts more than 200 programs featuring authors, scientists, and artists. With ongoing support from the Foundation, the Library continues to upgrade furniture, technology, and lighting at all five locations, most recently nearing the completion of a full redesign of the Central Librarys 4th-floor story room and adjacent spaces.

Program 3: Advocacy. The Berkeley Public Library Foundation champions the Librarys updated mission and vision: Empower, inspire, and eliminate barriers with resources and experiences. Evolve and respond to the changing needs of the community. This year, the Library faced an impending structural deficit that threatened its daily operations. The Citys tax structureunchanged for more than 40 yearsno longer met the Librarys needs. As one of the Librarys two primary partners, the Foundation joined forces with the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library and a broad coalition of community volunteers to inform and engage the public. Together, we built support for a local measure designed to close the deficit and secure a stronger, more sustainable future for the Library.