Title
Report regarding a resolution authorizing the acceptance of one Charlie Cart valued at $14,500 from the EmPOWERing Access Project, a collaborative initiative supported by the Southern California Library Cooperative and the California State Library. (Valerie Sommer, Library Director)
label
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of one Charlie Cart valued at $14,500 from the EmPOWERing Access Project, a collaborative initiative supported by the Southern California Library Cooperative and the California State Library.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The South San Francisco Public Library has been selected to participate in the EmPOWERing Access Project, a California State Library initiative supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). The project aims to increase community access to library resources by eliminating barriers for residents to access information and learn new skills, using innovative ways to connect information with community.
As part of the program, the Library will receive a Charlie Cart from the EmPOWERing Access Project. The Charlie Cart is a kitchen on wheels designed to bring hands-on food education directly into the library in an engaging, interactive, and accessible way. The Charlie Cart was inspired by the chuckwagon, a mobile field kitchen designed in 1866 and named for chuck, a slang term for food or provisions.
The cart comes equipped with K-5 lesson plans, an induction cooktop, convection oven, sink, and tools to support group participation. With our Parks and Recreation partner, we will both use the Charlie Cart to provide cooking demonstrations, nutrition education, cultural food exploration, intergenerational programming, and STEAM-related activities for youth, teens, families, and community groups. The cart’s home base will be the Library I Parks and Recreation Center; the program’s reach is larger since it can be easily transported to additional Library and Parks and Recreation sites and programs.
FISCAL IMPACT
The equipment is provided at no cost to the City. Receipt of these funds does not commit the City to ongoing funding other than regular maintenance and upkeep of electrical components and appliances.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES ACTION PLAN
Acceptance of this funding will contribute to City Council’s Priorities Action Plan under the Major Focus Area “Welcoming and Connected Community” by supporting community engagement and learning opportunities in a creative way.
CONCLUSION
Adoption of this resolution will allow staff to create engaging culinary experiences and instruction for community members of all ages without the need for a dedicated kitchen. It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of one Charlie Cart through the EmPOWERing Access Project.