REPORT IN BRIEF

This report is a request to apply for and to expend funds awarded under a grant from the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)/California Council for the Humanities for a California Stories: Reading the Grapes of Wrath Book and Film Discussion grant. Sunnyvale Public Library's proposal has been approved with an award in the amount of $1,000.

BACKGROUND

The California Council for the Humanities and the California State library offered $1,000 grants to promote the statewide reading of John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath during Fall of 2002. These grants are awarded to help libraries publicize the reading of Grapes of Wrath throughout the state and local communities and to bring in experts on John Steinbeck and his books to present programs for the public and lead book and film discussion programs.

EXISTING POLICY

The discussion contained in this report is related to a portion of the Library Sub-Element of the City of Sunnyvale General Plan. that was adopted by the City Council on February 6, 1990. Sub-Element Policy 6.2C.3: Promote the use of popular materials in the Library Collection is supported by Action Statement 6.2C.3c: Present programs, booktalks and speakers in the Library and to Community groups to encourage reading and other cultural and intellectual pursuits. The California Stories: Reading the Grapes of Wrath Book and Film Discussion Grant should encourage reading and promote cultural and intellectual pursuits.

DISCUSSION

The California Council for the Humanities, California Center for the Book and the California State Library have offered up to $1,000 in grant funds for individual libraries throughout the state to host book and film discussions on John Steinbeck's novel, The Grapes of Wrath, as part of the statewide campaign to have people all over California read and discuss The Grapes of Wrath during 2002. Californians are invited to discover parallels to today's issues in John Steinbeck's prize-winning novel, and share their own stories. Reading The Grapes of Wrath is the first project of the CA Humanity Council's three-year California Stories initiative. Grant funds will be used for fees for scholars who can discuss Steinbeck and his books and related contemporary issues with the public in Sunnyvale. The funding sponsors are also contributing copies of the book and film, The Grapes of Wrath, and publicity resources. About 140 other libraries in California will also have the opportunity to share the Grapes of Wrath reading program with their communities as recipients of the same California grant program.

FISCAL IMPACT

The California State Library awarded the amount of $1,000 to the City of Sunnyvale in May, 2002 to support a California Stories: Reading the Grapes of Wrath Book and Film Discussion Grant. A budget modification in the amount of $1,000 is requested to fulfill the obligation under this grant award. This small grant will be added to the operating budget for FY 2002/2003.

 

Budget Modification No.2 Fiscal Year 2002/2003
General Fund	Current	Increase	Revised
Expenditure Activity 637103 - Provide Programs that Emphasize Library Resources for Adults	$80,153	$1,000	$81,153
Revenues LSTA-Reading the Grapes of Wrath	0	$1,000	$1,000

PUBLIC CONTACT

1. Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City's official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City's web page, and the availability of the report in the Library and the City Clerk's Office.
2. Information about this opportunity was not yet available at the time of the June Board of Library Trustees meeting.

ALTERNATIVES

1. Council approves use of LSTA Funds for California Stories: Reading the Grapes of Wrath.

2. Council rejects use of LSTA funds for California Stories: Reading the Grapes of Wrath.

RECOMMENDATION

1. Staff recommends Alternative #1.

Prepared by:

Susan Denniston
Administrative Librarian

Reviewed by:

Victoria L. Johnson
Director, Libraries

Reviewed by:

Mary Bradley

Director, Finance

Approved by:

Robert S. LaSala
City Manager

Attachments

1. Award Letter - LSTA