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BACKGROUND Adult Literacy Services and ESL Services Grants The Pleasanton Library has provided literacy services for adults since 1985 and continued to do so following the library transition from a branch of the Alameda County Library system to an independent City library in 1999. Then known as the Pleasanton READS Project, the program was initially supported exclusively by the City's General Fund as part of the library operations budget. The program served adult learners of English by supporting reading, writing, and conversation skill acquisition, and provided preparation for standardized tests and United States citizenship with the help of library- trained volunteers. Since 2006, Pleasanton has applied for and received California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) funding, administered by the California State Library under the direction of the State Librarian. In 2014, the 30th anniversary year of CLLS, the Pleasanton City Council issued a proclamation declaring September as Adult Literacy Month. A new team of four staff members was organized in 2016, and the program was re-named Pleasanton Reads. The City of Pleasanton recognized the Adult Literacy and ESL Services Team with a Challenge Award in 2017. In 2020, the program continued through the pandemic as English language learners and tutors continued to meet virtually. In FY 2021/22, Pleasanton Public Library applied for and received $50,276 in grant funding which has been used to pay for salaries and benefits for a four-member staff team, in-service training workshops for volunteers, print and digital resources used by participants, ongoing LTE wireless service for library Chromebook lending laptops, and supplies and printing. The library provides learners and tutors with all necessary supplies, materials, and resources, plus meeting space for program participants. In 2021, CLLS announced a supplemental grant opportunity funded by the State of California to support ESL services at CLLS member libraries. To continue providing excellent literacy services and bolster ESL services, staff applied for and has been awarded grants for Adult Literacy Services and ESL services for FY 2022/23. DISCUSSION The Adult Literacy Services grant will continue to support the existing grant and City- funded Pleasanton Reads program, while the new ESL Services grant will expand the program to individuals who have not been traditionally served in the prior grant cycles. In FY 2021/22, the program served 97 adult English-language learners, 74 volunteer tutors, and continues to grow with over 60 individuals on the wait list for services. Submitted by: Fiscal Review: Approved by: )`'fl7)u„v n 1 Heidi Murphy Susan Hsieh Gefry Beaudin Director of Library Finance Director City Manager and Recreation Page 2 of 3