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Report regarding a resolution authorizing the acceptance of $58,000 from the California State Library to support Project Read through the Adult Literacy Services program as projected in the Library Department’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 revenue estimate. (Valerie Sommer, Library Director)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of $58,000 from the California State Library to support Project Read’s Adult Literacy Services program as projected in the Library Department’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 revenue estimate.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Project Read has been informed that an award in the amount of $58,000 from the California State Library was granted to support the continuation of the Adult Literacy Services program offered for low-literacy adults in North San Mateo County. In Project Read’s Adult Literacy Services program, trained volunteers provide tutoring for English-speaking adults with low literacy skills. Tutoring is provided in one-to-one and small-group sessions and is tailored to each learner’s individual goals and aspirations. Tutoring sessions take place in comfortable spaces in the library and other welcoming places in the learner’s community. In addition to tutoring, staff and volunteers connect learners with library programs and resources and other community services. Statewide, literacy programs often recruit learners to work as staff members or volunteers, and learners often serve as program ambassadors.
Learners also can take part in supplementary programs that support their progress in areas such as digital literacy, financial literacy, and health literacy. South San Francisco Public Library’s Project Read program has been serving the North San Mateo County community since 1985. Partners include South San Francisco Adult Education, Skyline College, SSF Economic Advancement Center, and additional nonprofits and community organizations in South San Francisco and San Mateo County.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds have been identified as expected revenue in the Library Department’s Adopted FY 2026-27 Operating Budget.
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 library programs and learning opportunities.
CONCLUSION
Receipt of these funds will enable the Library to continue to provide and support library literacy services in North San Mateo County through Project Read’s Adult Literacy Services program. It is recommended that the City Council accept $58,000 in funding from the California State Library to support Project Read’s adult literacy programming in Fiscal Year 2026-27.