TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any necessary amendments, with the California State Library, to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $105,863 for an Adult and Family Literacy Services Program, for a period of one year, with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods, at the discretion of the City Manager; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the Library Services Department by $105,863, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Library Services Department’s (Library) Literacy Services grant application to the California State Library was approved. The Library was awarded grant funding for adult literacy in the amount of $74,363 and $31,500 for family literacy for the grant period ending December 31, 2022. With this funding, the Library will be able to continue the LB Reads adult and family literacy services program in FY 22 with a full-time literacy program coordinator. As long as this literacy program continues to meet California State Library program rules and reporting requirements, the Library will be eligible for ongoing funding. When the grant is no longer funded, the literacy program coordinator position will either be absorbed, if funding allows, or terminated.
Adult and family literacy programs match adult learners with library literacy tutors to assist with reading, writing, and conversation skills. Adult learners with pre-K children would also receive family literacy services, including instruction on how to read to children, how to select appropriate books on particular topics, storytelling, word games, and other exercises to promote reading enjoyment.
Currently, there are few program resources for adults with low-literacy levels in Long Beach, and recent data indicates that nearly 33 percent of Los Angeles County adults lack basic prose literacy skills. There is a great need citywide for such services, as literacy levels have a direct impact on an individual’s employment opportunities, benefits to employers, wages and income, housing, and civic engagement.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on September 27, 2021 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on September 29, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 19, 2021, to receive and expend grant funding by December 31, 2022.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive grant funding in the amount of $105,863 for an Adult and Family Literacy Services Program. An appropriation increase in the amount of $105,863 is requested in the General Grants Fund Group in the Library Services Department, offset by grant revenue. The grant has no required match or in-kind service mandate. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
GLENDA WILLIAMS
DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER