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Page 1 of 2 <br />Item #9 <br /> CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT <br /> <br />May 21, 2024 <br />Library and Recreation <br /> <br />TITLE: APPROVE THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA <br />STATE LIBRARY FOR GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,948 FOR <br />FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 <br /> <br />SUMMARY <br />Adult Literacy Services at the Pleasanton Library along with English-as-a-Second Language <br />services - referred to collectively as Pleasanton Reads - meet the needs of English language <br />learners. Funding from the State of California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) directs state <br />and federal funds each year to support local public libraries. Staff requests that the City <br />Council authorize the submittal of an application for the annual grant cycle of $42,948 for fiscal <br />year (FY) 2024/25. This grant funding would supplement the City’s funding of $83,422 annually <br />to support Adult Literacy Services in Pleasanton. <br /> <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />Approve the submittal of an application to the California State Library for grant funds in the <br />amount of $42,948 for fiscal year 2024/25. <br /> <br />BACKGROUND <br />The Pleasanton Library has provided Adult Literacy Services since 1985. Beginning in 2006, <br />the City has applied for and received California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) funding, <br />administered by the California State Library under the direction of the State Librarian. In 2023, <br />CLLS awarded an Adult Literacy Services grant to the City in the amount of $43,777. The FY <br />2022/23 grant served a total of 181 adult English-language learners, 660 conversation group <br />attendees and 163 volunteer tutors. The program offered learners a welcoming environment to <br />practice language skills that improved their quality of life, helped them form friendships, <br />connect with community partner organizations and provided channels for them to participate <br />more fully in civic life. Learner feedback indicates that these opportunities filled critical needs, <br />which included speaking English and language fluency, building community connections and <br />utilizing unique supports not found elsewhere in the community such as Wi-Fi, computers, <br />printing, books and materials, and library programs. <br /> <br />DISCUSSION <br />For FY 2024/25, the Adult Literacy Services grant (Attachment 1) and in-kind City funding will <br />continue to support the Pleasanton Reads Program, with the following literacy program goals: <br />• Seek new ways to attract volunteer tutors through marketing and outreach <br />• Support waitlisted learners with resources (small group sessions) or referrals while they <br />wait to be placed with volunteer tutors <br />• Connect tutors with in-service opportunities to help them expand their skills and <br />confidence <br />Page 231 of 720