Title
a. Authorize and approve the Director of the Monterey County Free Libraries (“MCFL”) or her designee to accept a grant award of $125,938 from the State Library of California through the Lunch at the Library Program, to serve meals and activities to youth, and
b. Authorize the Director of the MCFL or her designee to take all steps necessary to implement the grant and accept the grant award of $125,938 from the State Library of California, and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of the MCFL or her designee to execute to three (3) future amendments where the combined amendments do not exceed 20% ($25,188) of the original Agreement amount, do not significantly change the scope of services, and do not increase the total not to exceed amount over $151,126.
Report
RECOMMENDATION/SUMMARY:
a. Authorize and approve the Director of the Monterey County Free Libraries (“MCFL”) or her designee to accept a grant award of $125,938 from the State Library of California through the Lunch at the Library Program, to serve meals and activities to youth, and
b. Authorize the Director of the MCFL or her designee to take all steps necessary to implement the grant and accept the grant award of $125,938 from the State Library of California, and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of the MCFL or her designee to execute to three (3) future amendments where the combined amendments do not exceed 20% ($25,188) of the original Agreement amount, do not significantly change the scope of services, and do not increase the total not to exceed amount over $151,126.
DISCUSSION:
The staff of the Monterey County Free Libraries (“MCFL”) have successfully applied for a grant from the California State Library for $125,938 in order to continue working with community partners to serve healthy food and engaging activities to youth. Grant activities will take place over 2025, primarily during the summer months when most children are out of school, with participation at various levels and in various formats by all branch libraries and bookmobiles.
This grant award is part of the California State Library program Lunch at the Library, funded by the State of California to enable students reliant on school meals for healthy eating to continue having food on days school is closed. Food is provided by partners including school districts, and activities will include games, crafts, and learning opportunities at library sites. In addition, library staff in some areas will visit other summer meal sites to offer activities and promote the library.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed this item and approved as to form.
FINANCING:
The direct expenses will be funded by the grant award, including a portion toward extra library staff hours to provide the programs, reimbursement for mileage spent picking up meals, and ancillary expenses such as food handling certificates for staff and volunteers. The food will be funded by the partners. This grant was anticipated in the Department’s budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Provision of robust and multi-faceted programs that reach many needs of the children in our communities is part of the Library Department Strategic Plan and supports the goals of the County of Monterey.
__Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
__ Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Jennifer Hansen, Administrative Services Officer, (831) 883-7569
Approved by: Hillary Theyer, Library Director, (831) 883-7566
Attachments:
Attachment A: Award and Certification Packet and Forms