May 26, 2026
City Council
DATE: May 26, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Jamelia Brown,
Mayor Eduardo Martinez (co-sponsor)
Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (co-sponsor)
Subject:
Recommend Dedicating a Literacy Space in the
Richmond Public Library in Honor of Abigail Sims-Evelyn FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no anticipated fiscal impact associated with receiving this item.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
For four decades, Abigail Sims-Evelyn has transformed
lives through the power of literacy, education, and
opportunity. As one of the very first people to help
establish a library literacy program in the State of
California more than 40 years ago, and since helping
launch Richmond’s Literacy for Every Adult Program
(LEAP) Program in 1984, she has dedicated her life to
ensuring that adults, families, immigrants, and lifelong learners in our community have access to the tools
needed to read, learn, grow, and thrive.
Her work has impacted multiple generations of Richmond
residents and stands as a testament to the belief that
literacy changes not only individual lives, but entire
communities. In recognition of her extraordinary legacy of service, this item seeks to establish a lasting tribute within the Richmond Public Library that will continue
inspiring future generations for years to come.
AGENDA
REPORT
May 26, 2026
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
REQUEST the city manager or her designee evaluate
and return to the City Council within 120 days with
recommendations for dedicating a literacy area,
department, center, or other appropriate space within the remodeled Richmond Public Library in honor of Abigail
Sims-Evelyn and her more than 40 years of dedicated
service to Richmond’s Literacy for Every Adult Program
(LEAP), including potential naming options such as “The Abigail Sims-Evelyn Literacy Center,” and REQUEST the
city manager or her designee review and provide
recommendations regarding applicable naming
procedures, fiscal impacts, signage and installation
needs, community engagement opportunities, and any
relevant policy considerations, and return to Council with a proposed implementation plan and recommendation for
consideration - Councilmember Jamelia Brown (510-609-
5780), Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503), and
Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593).
DISCUSSION:
Abigail Sims-Evelyn’s life and service reflect the best of Richmond: commitment, resilience, education, and community uplift. Through (Literacy for Every Adult Program) LEAP, she has helped preserve and expand one of the City’s most meaningful public services. LEAP provides free tutoring and small-group instruction to adults seeking literacy, GED preparation, English language skills, math support, and computer literacy.
This work is deeply personal and multigenerational. According to Richmondside, Mrs.
Sims-Evelyn’s own mother, Mary Magdalene Sims, was among the early LEAP learners after raising 12 children. After improving her literacy skills, she later took courses at Contra Costa College and wrote songs. Mrs. Sims-Evelyn has described literacy as a pathway to independence, dignity, and opportunity.
The program’s impact is undeniable. Richmond Confidential reported that by LEAP’s 30th anniversary, more than 12,000 students had participated in the program. In 2018– 2019, City meeting records noted that 346 students participated in LEAP and 26 earned either a high school diploma or General Educational Development credential (GED). In 2024, Richmond LEAP celebrated 15 residents who earned GEDs or high school diplomas.
Mrs. Sims-Evelyn’s leadership has also helped LEAP grow beyond basic reading and writing. LEAP now supports English as a Second Language, GED preparation, computer literacy, math skills, family literacy, and parent advocacy. In 2022, LEAP’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program received $50,000 from California Library Literacy Services to expand services under Sims-Evelyn’s leadership.
May 26, 2026
Dedicating a literacy space in her name would be a fitting and lasting tribute that honors not only Mrs. Abigail Sims-Evelyn, but also the thousands of Richmond residents whose lives have been transformed through literacy because of her decades of service.
Establishing a literacy area or learning center in her honor within the remodeled library would be a meaningful and historic step that ensures her legacy continues to inspire generations to come.
POLICY RATIONALE
The City Council should consider this action because it would:
1. Honor a Richmond legacy: Abigail Sims-Evelyn has dedicated decades to literacy, education, and community empowerment.
2. Recognize multigenerational impact: Her work has supported parents, children, elders, immigrants, returning students, and adults seeking a second chance.
3. Celebrate literacy as public service: Literacy is connected to employment, health, civic participation, parenting, and economic stability.
4. Preserve Richmond history: LEAP is one of California’s original library-based adult literacy programs, and Sims-Evelyn has been central to its story.
5. Inspire future learners: A named literacy space would remind residents that learning is possible at every age and stage of life.
NEXT STEPS
If approved, the City Manager or her designee should consider the following:
1. Review City naming policies and determine the appropriate process for dedicating a library space in honor of Abigail Sims-Evelyn.
2. Consult with Director Kate Eppler of Community Services – Library, Library staff, LEAP staff, and the City Attorney’s Office.
3. Identify the most appropriate location within the remodeled library, such as the literacy center, literacy department, learning lab, or adult education space.
4. Determine any fiscal impact for signage, plaques, installation, or dedication materials.
5. Return to the City Council with a proposed recommendation and naming resolution.
PROPOSED NAMING OPTIONS
The Abigail Sims-Evelyn Literacy Center
The Abigail Sims-Evelyn Adult Literacy Center
The Abigail Sims-Evelyn LEAP Learning Center
The Abigail Sims-Evelyn Literacy and Learning Space
The Abigail Sims-Evelyn Center for Literacy and Lifelong Learning
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
None.