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 $85,000 for English as Second Language Services, for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, 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 $85,000, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Library Services Department’s (Library) English as a Second Language (ESL) Services grant application to the California State Library was approved. The Library was awarded grant funding for ESL services in the amount of $85,000 for the grant period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. These grant funds are intended to continue funding the Library’s ESL Services program.
With this funding, the Library will continue support for staff resources to focus solely on delivering ESL services that complement the Library’s existing adult and family literacy services programs. ESL programs target English language learners and focus on listening comprehension and speaking skills, as well as basic writing and reading skills, that are tailored to learners’ goals and aspirations. The State budget has included California Library Literacy Services funding at $15 million for ESL, which will be allocated over a five-year period by the California State Library. As long as the Library’s program continues to meet California State Library program rules and reporting requirements, the Library will be eligible for ongoing funding. When grant funding is no longer available, the ESL services program costs will either be absorbed, if funding allows, or terminated.
Nearly half of Long Beach residents speak a language other than English. The results of the recent Library Services Performance Audit show that community members who spea...
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