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 $117,625, for adult and family literacy services, for the period of July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the Library Services Department by $117,625, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Library Services Department’s Literacy Services grant application to the California State Library (State) was approved. The Library Services Department (Library) was awarded State grant funding for adult literacy in the amount of $82,625 and $35,000 for family literacy, for the grant period ending June 30, 2021. With this funding, the Library will be able to continue the LB Reads Adult and Family Literacy Services Program in Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 21) with a full-time literacy program coordinator and part-time family literacy library assistant, purchase required books and materials, and fund promotional expenses. As long as this literacy program continues to meet the State program rules and reporting requirements, the Library will be eligible for ongoing funding. When the grant is no longer funded, the literacy program coordinator and library assistant positions 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 skills, writing skills, and conversation skills. Adult learners with pre-K children 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 pro...
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