Venus, speaking for the Seaside Library Friends & Foundation board, said the group will prioritize a membership recruitment campaign and a formal review of its budget on Nov. 21 ahead of the library's budget submission to the city.

The board discussed expected revenue streams for the coming year: membership dues estimated in the "nature of $4,000 to $6,000," bookstore proceeds of about $3,000, roughly $4,800 in the foundation checking account and about $14,500 in savings. Board members said a certificate of deposit is due Feb. 4 and that the organization's combined resources totalled "about $53,000." Members stated a long-term goal of growing the endowment to a $100,000 threshold before committing to larger grants.

Jennifer, the library director, and board members said the Nov. 21 meeting will include final review of a budget request that staff will submit to the city. The board intends to align Foundation disbursements with the library's needs (summer reading, special programs and book purchases) rather than making ad hoc requests throughout the year.

The board also announced a public kickoff event set for Feb. 1 that will both recruit members and launch the CSED Reads program; the event is planned for the afternoon and will include prize drawings and food. Officers said the Foundation's immediate operating funds (checking) will be used for near-term programming, while savings and the endowment will be managed for larger projects and grants.

Votes at a glance: the board approved the October minutes during the meeting; the motion was moved and seconded and recorded as approved without further amendment.