Title
Report regarding a resolution authorizing the acceptance of grant funding of up to $5,000 from the Peninsula Library System via County of San Mateo Measure K funds to encourage community-building in which library programs will bring people together in trusted environments, where participants can explore and learn together, finding common ground and connection at the South San Francisco Public Library, amending the Library Department’s Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operating Budget and approving Budget Amendment Number 26.027. (Adam Elsholz, Assistant Library Director)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of grant funding of up to $5,000 in reimbursements from the Peninsula Library System via County of San Mateo Measure K funds to encourage community-building in which library programs will bring people together in trusted environments at the South San Francisco Public Library, amending the Library Department’s Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operating Budget and approving Budget Amendment Number 26.027.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
At the June 10, 2025 meeting of the County of San Mateo Board of Supervisors, a one-time grant of district-discretionary Measure K funds, not to exceed $50,000, was awarded to the Peninsula Library System, to be distributed among the County’s eight public library jurisdictions, with a maximum reimbursement of $5,000 per library outlet, to encourage community-building in which library programs will bring people together in trusted environments where participants can explore and learn together, finding common ground and connection.
As part of the grant, the South San Francisco Public Library will host a premiere event entitled, “Finding Your Joy: A Journey through Mental Health and Self-Care” featuring Mychal Threets, PBS Kids’ Resident Librarian, literacy advocate, and one of Time Magazine’s Next Generation Leaders, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. in the Library I Parks and Recreation Center, City Council Chambers. The Library may also host programs such as ESL language conversation groups, meet ups for isolated groups, tabletop gaming, makerspace workshops, fix it clinics, programs related to the 250th anniversary of the USA and other program ideas.
This project will be sustainable, as libraries will share material resources purchased through these funds with other libraries utilizing the already well-established Peninsula Library System delivery services. Each library will be able to cross-promote events to ensure there is countywide exposure to grant-related activities. The project or services funded by this district-discretionary grant will be implemented or provided between July 2025 and June 2026 with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT
Reimbursement of up to $5,000 for library programs and materials will be provided by Peninsula Library System grant funding. Participation in this program 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 #6: Community Connections, by providing unique literary and cultural programming to the community.
CONCLUSION
Acceptance of this resolution will allow the Library to encourage community-building in which library programs will bring people together in trusted environments. It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of grant funding of up to $5,000 from the Peninsula Library System, amend the Library Department’s Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget, and approve Budget Amendment Number 26.027.