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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11c - Donation to Arcadia Library for the Purchase of Books
DATE: January 21, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Darlene Bradley, Director of Library and Museum Services
SUBJECT: DONATION FROM THE ESTATE OF ROBERT G. LOW FOR THE
PURCHASE OF BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG READERS IN
THE AMOUNT OF $12,926.28
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: Accept
SUMMARY
The Robert G. Low Estate has donated an additional $12,926.28 to the Arcadia Public
Library, specifically to supplement regularly budgeted funds for the purchase of books for
children and young readers. It is recommended that the City Council accept this generous
donation to the Arcadia Public Library.
DISCUSSION
Mr. Robert G. Low passed on June 18, 2020, in Los Angeles County, CA, and was a
resident of Los Angeles County. According to his will and subsequent probate orders, the
estate assets were to be distributed to several organizations, including the Arcadia Public
Library, specifically 5.5556% of the adjusted share. This distribution was presented to
City Council and accepted on July 19, 2022.
On December 13, 2024, a supplemental distribution was made based on a recent
discovery of additional estate assets, which significantly increased the amount of the
distribution by $12,926.28. The conditions for use of this supplemental distribution are
subject to the terms and conditions of the previous distribution. The funds are to be used
to improve, encourage, and expand reading skills and literary interests of young readers,
and for the purchase of books and not for the purchase of computers, tapes, or videos.
The Arcadia Public Library has set up a trust fund entitled the Robert G. Low Estate Trust
Fund, and this additional gift will be added to the principal. The interest earned yearly will
be used to purchase books and help supplement the Jerry Broadwell Children’s Room
book collection. This is a very welcome and generous donation that will help the Library
continue offering books for children and young readers beyond the current levels of City
funding. A special book plate will be placed in each book purchased from this trust.
Donation from the Estate of Robert G. Low
January 21, 2025
Page 2 of 2
All gifts to the City over $10,000 are subject to approval by the City Council, pursuant to
Arcadia City Charter Section 1218 and City Council Resolution No. 7514.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental
Quality Act (“CEQA”), as it can be seen with certainty that it will have no impact on the
environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Arcadia Public Library has a finite budget and the additional donation of $12,926.28
from the Robert G. Low estate enables the Library to offer new books that improve,
encourage, and expand reading skills and literary interests, above and beyond the current
level of City funding.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council determine this action does not constitute a project
under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and accept a donation from the
Estate of Robert G. Low for the purchase of books for children and young readers in the
amount of $12,926.28.