TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement with the California State Library to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $98,280 for library literacy services; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the Library Services Department by $98,280, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Library Services Department’s (Department) grant application to the California State Library for the Dive Into Learning project has been approved. This award will allow the Department to implement Dive Into Learning activities and support the Celebration of the Young Child annual festival.
The Dive Into Learning program is designed to serve children in underserved communities and to encourage engagement and academic achievement via bilingual early literacy programming and activities. The program will consist of one Bilingual Parent Engagement Specialist, supervised by a Senior Librarian. A central element of the program will be the implementation of an annual Celebration of the Young Child and Early Learning Festival.
Social and emotional learning experiences for young people play meaningful and important roles in promoting educational equity. Through participation in the Dive Into Learning project, the Department will grow its capacity to offer bilingual learning opportunities for Long Beach youth and will also expand outreach to underserved youth in Long Beach via the Celebration of the Young Child and Early Learning Festival.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Vanessa S. Ibarra and Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on July 15, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 16, 2022, to receive and expend grant funding by March 31, 2024.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive grant funding in the amount of $98,280 for library literacy services. An appropriation increase of $98,280 in the General Grants Fund Group in the Library Services Department is requested, offset by grant revenue. The grant has no required match or in-kind service mandate. This recommendation has a minimal staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. Grant revenue will offset the addition of a temporary staff position required for grant program implementation. There is no local job impact associated with the recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CATHY DE LEON
DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER