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Report regarding a resolution authorizing the acceptance of $10,000 from the California State Library to support classroom libraries through Project Read’s Family Literacy Services at the new Westborough Preschool and amending the Library Department’s Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operating Budget and approving Budget Amendment Number 26.002. (Julianne Garcia-Ku, Assistant Library Director)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of $10,000 from the California State Library to support classroom libraries through Project Read’s Family Literacy Services programs at the new Westborough Preschool and amending the Library Department’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Operating Budget and approving Budget Amendment Number 26.002. (Julianne Gracia-Ku, Assistant Library Director)
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The City of South San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department provides early childhood preschool programs at several sites. The Westborough Preschool Expansion Project is in process and expected to open in 2027. The existing preschool on the property, the Alice Pena Bulos Community Center, has a three-to-four year wait list and doesn’t meet the growing need and requests for additional high quality licensed preschool opportunities in South San Francisco. Current student capacity is 59 children; the Westborough expansion will add an additional 41 spots, serving 100 children, ages 2-5 years old, in five classrooms.
The Library’s Project Read Adult and Family Literacy Services is collaborating with the Parks and Recreation Department to build classroom libraries in the Westborough expansion, thus supporting early literacy and encouraging families to get an early start on “raising a reader” and preparing them for upcoming school years. Children can “check out” classroom materials for in-preschool or at-home use. In addition, Project Read’s wraparound services can provide adult literacy services to family members who need to increase their reading, writing, math, etc., skills to help with basic life and job skills. It is anticipated the $10,000 grant will fund nearly 700 high quality books and early literacy materials for these classroom libraries.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds will be used to amend the Library Department’s FY 2025-26 Operating Budget. Receipt of these funds does not commit the City to ongoing funding.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Acceptance of this funding will contribute to the City’s Strategic Plan under Priority #2, Quality of Life, by supporting learning programs.
CONCLUSION
Receipt of these funds will support classroom libraries at the new Westborough Preschool through Project Read’s Family Literacy Services programs. It is recommended that the City Council accept $10,000 in funding from the California State Library and amend the Library Department’s FY 2025-26 Operating Budget and approve Budget Amendment Number 26.002.