7 September 15, 2026
Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Long Beach
California
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation to authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any necessary amendments, with the California State Library to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $64,387 for Library Literacy Services, for the grant period July 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027; and,
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the Library, Arts, and Culture Department by $64,387 offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Library, Arts, and Culture Department’s (Library) Literacy Services grant application to the California State Library was approved. The Library was awarded grant funding for adult and family literacy in the amount of $64,387 for the grant period July 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. With this funding, the Library will be able to continue the LB Reads adult and family literacy services program in FY 26 with a full-time literacy program coordinator. The Library will be eligible for ongoing funding through this source, as long as this literacy program continues to meet California State Library program rules and reporting requirements. Should this funding source end, the literacy program coordinator position cost will either be absorbed by the City, if funding allows, or the position will be terminated.
Adult and family literacy programs match adult learners with library literacy tutors to assist with reading skills, writing skills, and conversation skills. Adult learners with pre-K children will also receive family literacy services, including instruction on how to read to children, how to select appropriate books on particular topics, storytelling, word games, and other exercises to promote reading enjoyment.
Currently, there are few program resources for adults with low-literacy levels in Long Beach, and recent data indicates that nearly 33 percent of Los Angeles County adults lack basic prose literacy skills. There is a great need citywide for such services, as literacy levels have a direct impact on an individual’s employment opportunities, benefits employers, and impacts wages, income, housing, and civic engagement.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Atoy H. Wilson on August 18, 2026, and by Acting Budget Development Officer Jaime Tamura on August 17, 2026.
Library, Arts, and Culture
200 W. Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 570-7500
Honorable Mayor and City Council
September 15, 2026
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TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 15, 2026, to receive and expend grant funding by September 30, 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive grant funding in the amount of $64,387 for an Adult and Family Literacy Services program. An appropriation increase in the amount of $64,387 is requested in the General Grants Fund Group in the Library, Arts, and Culture Department, offset by grant revenue. The grant has no required match or in-kind service mandate. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy De Leon
Department of Library, Arts, and Culture Director