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 speak languages other than English do not have the same opportunities to use and benefit from Library programs as others in the community. This grant will help the Library address this finding and bridge that gap in service.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Vanessa S. Ibarra on October 23, 2022 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on October 11, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 15, 2022, to receive and expend grant funding by June 30, 2023.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive grant funding in the amount of $85,000 to support the Library Department’s English as a Second Language Services program. An appropriation increase in the amount of $85,000 is requested in the General Grants Fund Group in the Library Services Department, offset by grant revenue. This 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.
Respectfully Submitted,
CATHY DE LEON
DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER