About the Friends & Foundation

By supporting Monterey Public Library Friends & Foundation, you can help sustain and enhance our own very special library.

In times of economic hardship, public health and social crisis, and widespread misinformation and disinformation, libraries are more important than ever. As a department of the City, the Monterey Public Library is primarily supported by the City General Fund. However, City budgets are always limited, and there are valuable library programs and services that can’t be provided with public funds alone.

The Friends of the Monterey Public Library was established in 1999 by a group of far-sighted citizens who recognized that an exceptional Library requires community support. For two decades the Friends generated support for the Library through memberships, fundraising events, and grants, contributing over $700,000 to support library programs and services.

In January 2020, the Friends became the Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation. The new name signifies an expanded mission: seeking larger donations, bequests, and endowment gifts to enhance library services now and for generations to come. Monterey Learns!, MPLF&F’s first-ever major fundraising campaign surpassed its $300,000 goal, raising $349,675 from September 2020 until April this year for library collections, programs, and services.

May 2024 marks 25 years of service for the @mplfriendsandfoundation! Thank you to our many friends and community supporters, current and previous board members, as well as the fantastic staff at the Monterey Public Library for your immeasurable support and for making our mission possible!  

Over the past 25 years, the MPLF&F and its many friends and community supporters have raised funds to support the Monterey Public Library in a myriad of ways, including:

•  provide hundreds of programs and events for kids, teens, and adults throughout the community. 
• add thousands of books, audio books, DVDs and ebooks to the library collection. 
• establish the MPL Endowment and present awards to recognize student scholarships for the Monterey County High School Poetry Contest. 
• make several improvements throughout the library, including upgrading the furniture, Children’s area, updating signs and book carts, and much more! 
• add California History Room staffing and collections. 
• make several technological updates including, updating circulation technology, replacing obsolete laptop and desktop computers, and more! 
• help raise awareness and support of the Monterey Public Library throughout the community. 

We welcome you to:

• Sign up for our email list to learn about activities, events, and opportunities to support the library.
• Donate now online, or learn about more ways to give. When you make a donation, you are automatically added to the email list. You may unsubscribe at any time.
• Volunteer to help with book sales, events, fundraising, or community outreach and advocacy. 

Board of Directors

Library and Museums Director: Brian Edwards
Library Board of Trustees Advisor: Diane de Lorimier