TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Brian Ambrose, Community Services Director
PREPARED BY: Gretchen Sedlacek, Assistant Management Analyst - Library
SUBJECT: Grant Applications - Inspiration (Library for All) and Lunch at the
Library
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Authorize the application for the Inspiration Grant - Library for All in the amount of $20,000;
Authorize the application for the Lunch at the Library Grant in the amount of $3,000 to $10,000; and
Authorize the City Manager to Amend the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Operating Budget based on the actual award amount(s).
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
None.
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Coordinate and deliver responsive, effective community services.
BACKGROUND
As part of the effort to enhance programming, the Murrieta Public Library is interested in applying for two new grant opportunities offered by the California State Library (CSL).
The first grant opportunity is the Inspiration Grant provided through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). This funding is made available for California libraries inspired to implement projects outside the state library’s other funding opportunities. In 2022, the Murrieta Public Library received $3,600 to expand the existing Library for All (LFA) program’s outreach services. LFA is open to adults with disabilities and their families/caregivers for activities tailored to the participant’s unique interests and ability levels. This year, the library would like to apply for a grant to expand the LFA program to include children and teens. LFA has a monthly program featuring crafts and STEAM-related activities, as well as movie days, hang-out days, and more. The current budget for the program is $2,500 per fiscal year. The library intends to apply for $20,000 to expand the program to create LFA Junior (Pre-K to 5th grade) and LFA Teens (6th to 12th grade). The funds will help purchase the start-up supplies and program materials as well as pay for instructors and presenters for programs. Overall, if funded, this opportunity would greatly expand services at the library for children and teens with various disabilities and challenges, as well as open up programs for a demographic that traditionally lacks access to such services.
The second grant opportunity is the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Lunch at the Library Grant through the CSL. This opportunity would allow the Murrieta Public Library to collaborate with the Murrieta Valley Unified School District (MVUSD). MVUSD is a USDA Summer Food Service program provider for children ages 0-18. During the summer, Murrieta Elementary School serves as a summer meal site, where disadvantaged children can still receive fresh meals. This grant opportunity would allow the library to provide summer outreach services through pop-up library programs/activities at the meal site. Through the grant, the library can help introduce and connect families to the annual summer reading programs, activities, and other community resources. The library would also like to utilize this opportunity to develop leadership and job skills for teens through volunteerism and/or stipend opportunities.
FISCAL IMPACT
Neither grant requires a public match. If the grants are awarded, funding allocations would be necessary. Upon receipt of the notice of grant awards, the recommended actions provide the City Manager authorization to amend the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Operating Budget to increase the Revenue Budget under account 3570050-42221 and an increase in expenditure appropriation in various expenditure accounts under General Ledger 3570050 based on the actual award amounts.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Application for Inspiration Grant
2. Draft Application for Lunch at the Library Grant