Item No.
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY: BENJAMIN DICKOW, LIBRARY DIRECTOR
DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT TO RENEW AND EXPAND THE DOWNEY ONE CARD
PROGRAM
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will consider approving a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the City of Downey and the Downey Unified School District (DUSD) that renews and expands the Downey One Card program, which allows students in DUSD to use their student ID card as a library card. The current MOU between the City and DUSD establishing the Downey One Card program is required to be renewed every five years.
This MOU will renew the program while also expanding it to cover every student in the school district. Expanding the Downey One Card program is a strategic goal of the Downey City Council and City Library.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
1. Approve the MOU between the City of Downey and the Downey Unified School District that renews and expands the Downey One Card program; and,
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all amendments to the MOU.
BACKGROUND
The City of Downey entered into an MOU with the Downey Unified School District (DUSD) in May 2017 to initiate a trial program of the Downey One Card program at Downey High School. This pilot program allowed Downey High School students to use their student ID cards in lieu of a library card at the Downey City Library, expanding access to the collection and services of the Library. The pilot was deemed a success by both the Downey City Library and DUSD based on student usage and feedback, and the program was expanded in 2018 to include Warren and Columbus High Schools. In 2020, at the request of DUSD personnel, in coordination with Downey City Library staff, an amendment to the MOU was executed allowing the program to encompass the middle
APPROVAL OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOWNEY AND
THE DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TO RENEW AND EXPAND THE DOWNEY ONE CARD
PROGRAM
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
PAGE 2
2 schools of the District in order to offer another access point for local students to use the Downey City Library throughout the school year and during all school breaks. In Fiscal Year 2024-2025, over 1,200 Library transactions were initiated by the program, including checking out books, laptops, and reserving study rooms.
ANALYSIS
Per the policy of the DUSD, a MOU with DUSD requires renewal every five years. The original MOU lapsed in 2024 and the Downey City Library was informed by DUSD of its desire to begin the renewal process. The process also offers the Library and District the opportunity to further expand the program to cover all DUSD students. After discussions with DUSD personnel, DUSD agreed that the Downey One Card program is beneficial to students by offering them an additional avenue to which to access Library resources. This access could be enjoyed by all students, not just from the High Schools and Middle Schools. Further, the effort by Library staff to administer the program is minimal. The addition of the remaining DUSD students to the program will be easily absorbed into Library operations. A new MOU was created ensuring the program will remain for the next five years. It was ratified by the DUSD School Board on May 13, 2025, and is now ready for the City Council’s consideration.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Quality of Life, Safety & Infrastructure
Public Engagement
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended action will result in a nominal expenditure from the General Fund, Downey City Library, Account No. 10-4-4390 and can be observed as part of the previously approved FY 2025-2026 operating budget.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: MOU
ATTACHMENT A