Title
a. Approve and authorize the Library Director or designee to accept a grant from the California State Library for $64,521 to provide Adult Literacy and Families for Literacy services; and
b. Approve and authorize the Library Director or designee to accept non-standard elements of the grant award agreement; and
c. Approve and authorize the Library Director or designee to accept up two to amendments or increases in this grant award that do not substantially change terms and conditions or increase the grant award more than 20% ($12,904) for a total not to exceed $77,425.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Library Director or designee to accept a grant from the California State Library for $64,521 to provide Adult Literacy and Families for Literacy services; and
b. Approve and authorize the Library Director or designee to accept non-standard elements of the grant award agreement; and
c. Approve and authorize the Library Director or designee to accept up two to amendments or increases in this grant award that do not substantially change terms and conditions or increase the grant award more than 20% ($12,904) for a total not to exceed $77,425.
SUMMARY:
Monterey County Free Libraries has been awarded a grant from the California State Library to continue provision of Adult Literacy and Families for Literacy services.
DISCUSSION:
MCFL provides services for adults to build and enhance reading skills through group events, recruitment and training of individual tutors, and maintaining specific literacy focused materials in the library collections. This fundamental program is managed by a Librarian II and Library Assistant II who focus on Literacy programs, collections, and services systemwide. The program is supported through grants from the California Library Literacy Service (CLLS), donations from the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries, and the MCFL’s operational budget. Additional support for California’s Adult Literacy initiatives come from the federal Institution of Museum and Library Services, via Library Services and Technology Act grants to the California State Library. This multi-layered system of support allows public libraries to offer the chance to read and succeed at any age.
This CLLS grant supports MCFL in providing Adult Literacy and Families for Literacy programs, directly supporting a portion of staff time, materials for tutors and events, literacy collections, and ongoing recruitment and training of volunteer tutors.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
County Counsel has reviewed as to form.
FINANCING:
The Literacy services are a standard part of MCFL’s services to the public, and the Department’s operational budget anticipated this grant award, so no additional appropriations are necessary.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
Ongoing learning and support for the public to succeed in all walks of life.
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Prepared by: Ava Rivera, Senior Account Clerk, x7559
Approved by: Hillary Theyer, Library Director, x7566
Attachment A:
Literacy Grant Award Packet 2025