DATE: October 08, 2024
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Sally Gomez, County Librarian
SUBJECT: California State Library Grant Agreement
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a grant agreement from the California State Library for a Library Services and Technology Act Play for All Grant for The Betty Rodriguez Regional Library Play & Grow Center Project, effective upon execution of the agreement through September 30, 2025 ($51,524);
2. Authorize the County Librarian, or their designee, to sign the required Certification and Authorized Representative signature form, expenditure forms, activity reports, and any other necessary documents for the recommended grant agreement; and
3. Adopt Budget Resolution increasing FY 2024-25 appropriations and estimated revenues in the Library Grants Org 7517 in the amount of $51,524 (4/5 vote).
REPORT
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. The California State Library (CSL) has awarded a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Play for All grant for The Betty Rodriguez Regional Library Play & Grow Center project in the amount of $51,524, effective upon execution of the recommended agreement through September 30, 2025. Approval of the recommended actions will allow the Library to accept the grant funds, which will provide the Library the opportunity to design and create welcoming family play spaces and offer meaningful programming around play for young children in marginalized or underserved communities. This item affects District 3.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Your Board may choose to decline the grant award from the CSL, which will result in the Library not providing programs to create welcoming family play spaces and offer meaningful programming around play for young children in marginalized or underserved communities in Fresno County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. The $51,524 grant from the California State Library will be used for supplies and materials ($42,824), marketing and advertising ($3,700), and staff training ($5,000). The grant does not require a match or in-kind contribution; however, staff costs to administer the Program have been included in the FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget Org 7511 and will be included in subsequent budget requests. The budget resolution in the third recommended action will increase appropriations and estimated revenues in the Library Grants Org 7517 for FY 2024-25 in the amount of $51,524.
DISCUSSION:
As a California public research institution, the CSL’s mission is to empower all people of California by preserving and providing access to California’s unique history to enrich the lives of current and future generations. This grant is part of a program of the California State Library, supported by funding from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provision of the LSTA, and administered in California by the State Librarian. The purpose of the Play for All grant funds is to support libraries in addressing the barriers and inequitable access to quality play spaces and play-based programming young children may experience in marginalized, under-resourced, and underserved communities. This program will be implemented at the Betty Rodriguez Regional Library.
The Betty Rodriguez Regional Library Play & Grow Center, together with community partners, will design an environment that fosters play, supports a foundation of early learning and literacy for children and caregivers, and implements supportive programs. This project will address concerns of accessibility to underserved communities by instilling the library as a safe space that supports play to responsively create engagement and drive learning. The grant funds will allow the Library to host programs that focus on storytime and play, along with fostering relationships with youth-focused organizations. The Library will continue to work with partner organizations to create play-oriented lending kits, create single-page newsletters for the Fall Programming Session, and create a friendly and welcoming educational-oriented play space. The library will offer programs with community partners, open free play times, and passive guided play activities. This work will continue the following year for the Spring Programming Session from February 2025 to April 2025. By designing a play space that includes voices of the community and its local organizations, we will be able to successfully create an inclusive and welcoming family space that encourages interactive learning, social interaction, and provides empowering opportunities for our youth.
The recommended grant agreement requires an indemnification provision in favor of the State of California, the California State Library, and their officers, employees and agents. The Department believes that the benefits of entering into the recommended grant agreement outweigh any potential risks.
Approval of the first recommended action will authorize the Chairman to execute a grant agreement from the California State Library for a Library Services and Technology Act Play for All Grant. Approval of the second recommended action delegates authority to the County Librarian or her designee, to sign the certification form, authorized representative form, expenditure forms, activity reports and any other necessary documents for the recommended agreement.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Agreement with CSL
On file with Clerk - Resolution (Org 7517)
CAO ANALYST:
Fine Nai