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 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 and Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on October 28, 2020.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 17, 2020, to receive and expend grant funding by June 30, 2021.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive grant funding in the amount of $117,625 for the Adult and Family Literacy Services Program. An appropriation increase in the amount of $117,625 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.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
GLENDA WILLIAMS
DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER