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 $82,625, for Library Literacy Services, for the period ending June 30, 2019; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund (SR 120) in the Library Services Department (LS) by $82,625, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Library Services Department’s Literacy Services (Library) grant application to the California State Library was approved. The Library was awarded grant funding for a literacy program, in the amount of $82,625 for the grant period ending June 30, 2019. With this funding, the Library will be able to launch an Adult and Family Literacy Services program in FY 19 with a part-time literacy program coordinator, books and materials, and promotional expenses in conjunction with the other literacy programs. 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 part-time literacy program coordinator position will be discontinued if other funding solutions are not identified.
Adult and Family Literacy programs match adult learners with library literacy tutors to assist with reading skills, writing skills, 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...
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