Title
Authorize and approve the Director of the Monterey County Free Libraries (“MCFL”) to amend a non-standard agreement between the County of Monterey, on behalf of the MCFL, and the Califa Group, through its Stay and Play Program, to approve an additional grant amount of up to $1,000 to provide programs for children and caregivers
...Report
RECOMMENDATION/SUMMARY:
Authorize and approve the Director of the Monterey County Free Libraries (“MCFL”) to amend a non-standard agreement between the County of Monterey, on behalf of the MCFL, and the Califa Group, through its Stay and Play Program, to approve an additional grant amount of up to $1,000 to provide programs for children and caregivers
DISCUSSION:
On October 17, 2023 (Item 26) the Board of Supervisors authorized Monterey County Free Libraries (“MCFL”) to enter into a non-standard grant agreement of up to $4,950 to provide “Stay and Play” programs at branch libraries. Additional funding has been offered that exceeds the authorization approved by the Board of Supervisors.
The staff of MCFL have successfully brought the program “Stay and Play” to many branch libraries over the past three years. This is a statewide opportunity, funded by the Packard Foundation and administered through the Califa Group, a non-profit library membership consortium. This grant includes funding for program supplies to host events for young children and their Family Friends and Neighbors (“FFN”) caregivers in addition to training and community of practice opportunities for the library staff who serve them. FFNs are non-professional, non-custodial adults who may have extensive care for a young child, and the library develops programs and invites guests to ensure these critical caregivers have access to the wide range of resources that enable young children to thrive in these important development years. MCFL has participated in Stay and Play for three years, using the funds to equip libraries with tools, equipment, and programming supplies and training many staff members in child development and programming.
As a past grantee, we were awarded continuation in the program without having to re-apply for the funding. As a current grantee, an additional amount has been offered to further enhance the program, with no other change to terms and conditions.
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. The staff time to plan and host programs for the public, and to participate in professional training and development, is assumed in the Department’s budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Provision of robust and multi-faceted programming for caregivers is a core public library service, 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: Email offer of additional Stay and Play Funding