Title
Report regarding a resolution authorizing the acceptance of two half-time AmeriCorps members from the California State Library to support California Library Literacy Services offered through the Library’s Project Read and Gene Mullin Community Learning Center programs. (Karla Molina Bourdon, Literacy Program Manager)
label
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of two half-time AmeriCorps members from the California State Library to support California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) offered through the Library’s Project Read and Gene Mullin Community Learning Center programs.
Body
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
On August 17, 2022, South San Francisco Public Library (SSFPL) submitted an application to the California State Library to support CLLS offered through the Library’s Project Read and Community Learning programs. The California State Library’s goal is to strengthen and rebuild CLLS program efforts which may have been negatively impacted throughout the pandemic and the focus of the two positions includes support for tutoring, recruitment of learners and volunteers, work on family literacy programs, assisting with other CLLS programs and operations, promoting learner leadership, and as able, hiring adult learners as staff. On August 18, 2022, SSFPL was awarded two half-time positions from the California State Library, with a City matching cost of $2,000 for each position for one year, with the California State Library subsidizing other living, health, and education costs for eligible AmeriCorps members. AmeriCorps positions will support Project Read and Gene Mullin Community Learning Center programs including collaborating with the City of South San Francisco Promotores to better connect community to available resources.
Over the years, both Project Read and Gene Mullin Community Learning Center programs have been successful in providing services to community with the support of AmeriCorps members. Project Read’s AmeriCorps programming included offering digital literacy classes to learners, and recruitment efforts for engaging learners and tutors. Our previous AmeriCorps member was posted to the Gene Mullin Community Learning Center to support STEM Ecosystem efforts aiming to bring equity in STEM education for underserved students.
FISCAL IMPACT
A match of $4,000, $2,000 per AmeriCorps member, is required and will be covered by the Library’s current budget. AmeriCorps members’ living allowance will be provided via direct deposit by the California State Library.
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 opportunities and racial and social equity.
CONCLUSION
Approval of these resources will enable the Library to continue to strengthen literacy services in South San Francisco and partner communities. It is recommended that the City Council accept the two half-time AmeriCorps members to support the Library’s CLLS Project Read and Gene Mullin Community Learning Center programs.