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The Literary Arts Ambassador will share appropriate poetry and/or literary pieces at public events and dedications, as well as conduct literary workshops, readings and events. One of the goals of the program is to have this position be a supportive mentor to the City's current Teen Poet Laureates. On July 18, 2017 the City Council approved the creation of the Literary Arts Ambassador position. Immediately following that approval, staff set out to recruit for the position. Three (3) applications were received and a committee reviewed the applications and interviewed the candidates. The committee, consisting of the following, reviewed the applications and interviewed the candidates: • Heidi Murphy– Director of Library Services • Judy Wheeler– Owner of Towne Center Books • Jordan Bernal –Tri-Valley Writers Club After a highly competitive process the committee recommended Meg Fleming be appointed to serve as the first Literature Ambassador from 2017-2019. On August 7, 2017, the Civic Arts Commission agreed with the committee, and approved their recommendation to appoint Meg Fleming to serve as the first Literature Ambassador from 2017-2019. DISCUSSION Meg Fleming is an accomplished writer. Currently she has two published books on the marketplace with two more coming out next Spring/Summer. She has lived in Pleasanton for three (3) years. She has been actively involved in the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators for many years. She has planned events for writers and illustrators and served as event coordinator and conference committee leader for this same organization. This year alone Meg has received the following awards and nominations: • 2017 Society of Midland Authors Award for Children's Fiction—Honoree I Heart You • 2017 Naperville North High School Learners to Leaders Award for contributions in literature and literacy • 2017 SCBWI Sue Alexander Award Nominee (Winners not yet announced) for manuscript entitled: THIS DOOR • 2017 SCBWI Most Promising Picture Book Nominee (Winners not yet announced) for manuscript entitled: THIS DOOR The committee and Civic Arts Commission felt that Meg's knowledge, accomplishments, and experience coupled with her enthusiasm and love of the written word would be an excellent match for the Literature Ambassador Program. They also believed that Meg would be a thought provoking mentor for the Teen Poet Laureates. S itted by: Fiscal eview: Approved y: Susan Andrade-Wax Tina Olson Nelson Fia ho Community Services Director Director of Finance City Manager Page 3 of 3