DATE: MARCH 19, 2024
DEPARTMENT: LIBRARY & COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT FROM: KRISTAN LUNDQUIST, LCS DIRECTOR BY: ERNESTO LIZAOLA, COMMUNITY EDUCATION MANAGER
TITLE: CALIFORNIA LIBRARY LITERACY SERVICES ESL
LITERACY GRANT AWARD
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution accepting the California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) grant awards for FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26 in the amount of $131,697 in support of ESL Adult Literacy, and authorizing the Interim City Manager or designee to execute all grant acceptance documents with the California State Library.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On February 5, 2024, the Salinas Public Library’s Literacy Services was notified by the California State Library Literacy Services (CLLS) of approval for an award of $64,493 for FY 2024-25 and $67,204 for FY 2025-26 to continue ESL Adult Literacy programs. These funds will support programming for adults with limited English-speaking literacy skills and will be provided primarily to adults enrolled in the library’s Adult and Family Literacy programs.
BACKGROUND:
The Library’s Adult Literacy program is dedicated to promoting lifelong learning through a variety of literacy programs and services. This grant will enable the library to continue an ESL Adult Literacy program; to employ temporary part-time staff to work in the ESL Adult Literacy program; acquire books, supplies and learning materials that enhance our adult education programs; and increase our capacity to provide high-quality adult ESL services, including but not limited to expanding the Citizenship language-support group, establishing introductory ESL instruction and support, and assisting ESL learners to transition to the English language-based adult literacy programs and services. Library staff are prepared to offer both in-person and/or virtual instruction.
The California Library Literacy Services is providing funding as part of a five-year ESL initiative, of which this funding is for the fourth and fifth years of the initiative. Funding is based on projected need and programming plans, and anticipated local funds raised and expended for adult literacy services, reflecting a commitment to state/local partnerships in support of literacy services.
Literacy staff continue to find innovative ways to serve adult learners with in-person, virtual and distance learning instruction. This includes individual tutoring, small groups, and small classes, as well as adapting to individual needs and abilities; guided and self-paced learning with popular mobile apps; student handbooks and curricula; take-home activity kits; one-on-one help via Zoom, email, phone; and much more.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378). In addition, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 includes the general rule that CEQA applies only to activities which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Because the proposed action and this matter have no potential to cause any effect on the environment, or because it falls within a category of activities excluded as projects pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378, this matter is not a project. Because the matter does not cause a direct or foreseeable indirect physical change on or in the environment, this matter is not a project. Any subsequent discretionary projects resulting from this action will be assessed for CEQA applicability.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
The grant will support the City Council 2022-2025 Goals:
Effective and Culturally Responsive Government
Youth and Seniors
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Library & Community Services Department will work with the Finance Department to establish expenditure accounts and prepare final budget reports required at the end of the grant period.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
There is no impact to the City’s General Fund Budget. No additional Measure E funding will be required beyond that already allocated to the Library’s annual budget. No matching funds are required.
ATTACHMENTS:
Council Resolution
Award Letter, California Library Literacy Services