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Report regarding a resolution authorizing the acceptance of $25,000 in grant funding from the California State Library to support Project Read’s family literacy services through the Families for Literacy (FFL) program and, approving Budget Amendment 20.017. (Valerie Sommer, Library Director)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of $25,000 in grant funding from the California State Library to support Project Read’s family literacy services through the Families for Literacy (FFL) program and approving Budget Amendment 20.017.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
On August 16, 2019, Project Read was awarded $25,000 in grant funding from the California State Library to support the continuation and enhancement of the Families for Literacy (FFL) program offered for low literate parents and their children in North San Mateo County. Project Read’s Families for Literacy program provides story times, free books, learning activities, learning workshops, and parenting classes for Project Read participants. Grant funding will be used to strengthen the FFL program through staff training, community outreach and offering services to existing and new clients. Project Read plans include: special FFL library story times with book giveaways to build home libraries; tips and “how to” handouts on communicating with schools and teachers; financial literacy workshops on basic goal setting and saving strategies for parents and children; and digital literacy workshops where families can learn how to safely search and read web-based information as well as create content using email, blogs, and tweets. The goal is to engage low literate adults in developing the confidence and skills to support their children in school.
FISCAL IMPACT
Grant funds will be used to amend the Library Department’s current FY 2019-2020 Operating Budget via Budget Amendment 20.017. Receipt of these funds does not commit the City to ongoing funding.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Expansion of Project Read’s Families for Literacy program will provide enhanced family literacy programming for low literate families in our community. The strengthening of learning programs is an action item in the City Strategic Plan under Priority #2: Quality of Life.
CONCLUSION
Receipt of these funds will enable the Library to continue and enhance literacy services in North San Mateo County through Project Read’s Families for Literacy program. It is recommended that the City Council accept $25,000 in grant funding to support family literacy programming and approve Budget Amendment 20.017.