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Report regarding a resolution authorizing the acceptance of $7,500 from the California State Library to support Project Read through the Adult Literacy Services and Family Literacy Services programs and amending the Library Department’s Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operating Budget and approving Budget Amendment Number 26.057. (Valerie Sommer, Library Director)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of $7,500 from the California State Library to support Project Read’s Adult Literacy Services and Family Literacy Services programs and amending the Library Department’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Operating Budget and approving Budget Amendment Number 26.057. (Valerie Sommer, Library Director)
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Project Read was previously informed that an award in the amount of $99,780 from the California State Library was granted to support the continuation of the Adult Literacy Services (ALS) and Family Literacy Services (FLS) programs for low-literacy adults and families in North San Mateo County. Subsequently, Project Read has received an additional $7,500 in supplemental award funds to further support and expand program activities.
Project Read’s Adult and Family Literacy Services programs support adults and families through individualized literacy instruction, volunteer tutor development, and access to library resources. Adult learners receive one-on-one and small group tutoring tailored to their goals, while families participate in early literacy programming that strengthens shared reading practices, early language development, and family engagement in learning. The allocation will strengthen adult and family literacy programming by expanding access to library materials and services, supporting volunteer tutor training and learner support, and sustaining early literacy services for families with young children. This includes adult tutoring held in dedicated library spaces that promote focused learning and engagement, as well as family literacy programming such as My First Years, a cohort-based program for parents, caregivers, and children ages 0-5, and drop-in bilingual story-time workshops that support early learning and school readiness. Together, these investments strengthen Project Read’s coordinated approach to adult and family literacy and support continued access to literacy services for residents of South San Francisco and neighboring communities.
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 library literacy services through Project Read’s Adult Literacy Services and Family Literacy Services programs. It is recommended that the City Council accept $7,500 in funding from the California State Library and amend the Library Department’s FY 2025-26 Operating Budget and approve Budget Amendment Number 26.057.