Attachment B
Memorandum to City
Manager for Gifts of
$25,001-$100,000
City Manager Memorandum
March 16, 2026 -- Page 2
Library naming rights
MEMORANDUM
DATE: MARCH 16, 2026
SUBJECT: RENAMING SPECIFIC AREAS OF THE PALM SPRINGS PUBLIC
LIBRARY
TO: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
FROM: Jeannie Kays, Director of Library Services
SUMMARY:
The Memorandum of Understanding between the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation (“Foundation”) and City of Palm Springs requires the City Manager to approve naming opportunities for the Palm Springs Public Library of donations between $25,000- $100,000. The Foundation requests approval of naming rights for designated areas of the Palm Springs Public Library.
BACKGROUND:
On May 25, 2023, the City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (Attachment A) between the City and the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation.
The Foundation officially launched a capital campaign on October 27, 2025, to support the library renovation, continued operation and long- term maintenance of the Palm Springs Public Library. During this initial phase, they successfully raised over $1 million , triggering a $1 million matching gift from the Library Board of Trustees Trust Fund. At this writing, two gifts are going before City Council for approval at the April 8, 2026, meeting.
1. A $250,000 gift from Friends of the Palm Springs Library , to rename the Dr.
R.G. Frey-Jaycees building the Friends of the Palm Springs Library building.
2. A $125,000 gift on behalf of the Jane Lykken Hoff Endowment from the Inland Empire Community Foundation to name the desert landscaping around the library in her memory.
City Manager Memorandum
March 16, 2026 -- Page 3
Library naming rights
The following donations require City Manager approval:
Library Atrium — $100,000
Anonymous
This gift is made by a longtime member of the Board of the Friends of the Palm Springs Library and a former City of Palm Springs commissioner. The Library Atrium will be named in memory of the donor’s parents, honoring their legacy and supporting the library as a welcoming gathering space for the community.
Study Room & Children’s Room Creative Elements — $100,000 Karla Kjellin-Elder and Jeff Elder
Karla Kjellin -Elder and Jeff Elder are active supporters of numerous nonprofit organizations in the Coachella Valley. Since relocating from Orange County, they have made significant philanthropic contributions to organizations including DAP Health and The Living Desert. Now Palm Springs residents, they continue to invest their time and charitable support in strengthening the community.
Family Patio — $100,000
Lamb Family Foundation
The Lamb Family Foundation was established by Joan Lamb to support charitable causes with a primary focus on education. A graduate of Stanford University and UCLA Anderson School of Management, Lamb built a career in banking and investment banking before later serving in public service in Sun Valley, Idaho. A longtime seasonal resident of Palm Springs, she credits libraries as foundational to her own success and is proud to support opportunities for learning and community connection.
Large Study Room — $75,000
Deborah Schwarz (In Memory of Joanne Schwarz)
This gift is made by a Trustee of the Palm Springs Public Library in honor of her mother, Joanne Schwarz, a children’s librarian and teacher. It celebrates her lifelong love of books and her dedication to introducing young people to the magic of reading. Through this tribute, her legacy will continue to inspire learning and curiosity for generations to come.
City Manager Memorandum
March 16, 2026 -- Page 4
Library naming rights
Local History Wall — $50,000
Eric and Vivian Chiel
Eric and Vivian Chiel have long supported the Palm Springs Public Library and its efforts to celebrate and preserve local history. Eric has hosted exhibitions on Mid- Century Modern architecture and presented programs on researching neighborhood history. Their support of the Local History Wall will help create rotating displays that highlight the people, architecture, and stories that define Palm Springs.
Passport Office — $50,000
Jim Gray & Bernard Rottner, and Betty Rae Smith
Jim Gray and Bernard Rottner, along with Jim’s sister Betty Rae Smith, made this gift to support the Library’s Passport Office and expand services for the community. Jim serves on the Board of the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation, and Bernard chairs the Palm Springs Sustainability Commission. Having lived abroad, Jim and Bernard in Ireland and Betty Rae in Singapore, they believe international travel fosters cultural understanding and global connection.
Rainbow Endowment — $50,000
Ken Pengelly and David Engen
Ken Pengelly and David Engen have been generous supporters of the Palm Springs Public Library since relocating from Minnesota. Both previously served on the Board of the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation, where David continues to serve today. Their support of the Rainbow Endowment reflects their commitment to ensuring the library remains a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
Gifts of distinction approved at Library Director level:
Children’s Play Structure — $15,000
BIGHORN Cares Foundation
Computer Terminals— $15,000
Sue Burnside
Jack Fitzsimmons and Walter Gendell
City Manager Memorandum
March 16, 2026 -- Page 5
Library naming rights
Book Stacks — $10,000
Jessica & Gary Grace
Ron Florance
Sara Rutenberg
Other gifts with no naming or naming location not yet assigned:
$5,000-$15,000:
David Brinkman
Mike Fedderson and Tom McClay
Kevin E. Harrigan and Joel Preston
Timothy Hohmeier
David Huebner
Ed McBride and Tad Green
Laura (Lolly) Mitchell
Jeffrey Norman
Steve and Wendy Rubin
Dr. Elizabeth Smalley and Garth Gilpin
Carol M. Tallichet in memory of David C. Tallichet
Nancy Ventrudo
William and Pamela Wylie
$1,000-$4,999:
Salim Alama
Gretchen Cotter
Pamela Erwin and Susan Unger in memory of Harold Matzner Brad Fuhr
David Haugland
Charles and Karen Nourrcier
Mary and Frank Phillips
Peter Schireson
Fred Schmeltzer
Kathy Weremiuk
Ron Willison
Gifts $500 and under:
Phyllis Bart
Scott Discount
Roy Huebner
Robyn Meltzer
Roger Neustadter
Cass Stillman
Chris and Pat Teske in honor of Maggie Teske
City Manager Memorandum
March 16, 2026 -- Page 6
Library naming rights
REQUEST:
At this time, the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation is requesting City M anager approval for the following names:
Anonymous
Karla Kjellin-Elder and Jeff Elder
Lamb Family Foundation
Deborah Schwarz
Eric and Vivian Chiel
Jim Gray, Bernard Rottner, and Betty Rae Smith
Ken Pengelly and David Engen
Jeannie Kays
Director of Library Services
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Memorandum of Understanding between the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation and the City of Palm Springs