July 20, 2004
SUBJECT: Authorization for Sunnyvale Public Library to Apply for Target Community Giving Grant in the Amount of $3,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
The Library is requesting authorization to apply for a $3,000 grant from Target Department Store in order to purchase “honor books” which will be loaned to teachers for their school programs and the children and parents who attend one of the library’s story programs.
BACKGROUND
The Target Department store is making available grants up to $3,000 to non-profit organizations that will focus on one of the following areas of concern: arts, family violence prevention, or reading. If permission is granted, the Library will apply for a grant in the area of reading.
EXISTING POLICY
Library Collection
Policy 6.2A.2 Give high priority to the collection of materials for children and their parents, teachers, and care givers
Finding and Using Materials and Information
Policy 6.2B.4 Provide outreach services at times and locations to meet needs of customers who do not travel to the Main Library
Provide Library Programs and Publications to Educate, Enrich, and Enlighten Library Users
Policy 6.2C.1 Promote life-long use of the Library and love of reading through programs for children
DISCUSSION
Before budget cuts forced its closure in August 2003, the Library’s bookmobile extended access to Library materials to Sunnyvale residents who could not easily come to the main library. Retirement communities, schools, and immigrant families are just some of the populations who no longer enjoy a visit from the Library’s bookmobile in their neighborhoods.
In order to continue to fulfill the mission of serving residents in lower-income areas as well as patrons who have difficulty coming to the Main Library, Children’s Services staff have developed the Books to Go Project. The Books to Go Project is built upon a small collection of “honor books” which are available for borrowing, but not part of the library’s regular collection. No penalty is levied if books are kept beyond the due date. Books are loaned to teachers in support of their class curriculum as well as children and parents who attend one of the library’s story programs. Programs are offered off-site, close to housing areas with a high percentage of Latino immigrants. The librarian giving the program models sharing books and music with the children, and then the parents can borrow the books to continue the experience, a critical component of every child’s emergent literacy development.
By removing the barriers of distance to the Library and the possibility of being fined for overdue materials, the Books to Go Project strives to make it as easy as possible for children to read. The Target grant would be used to purchase more “honor books” for children, parents, and teachers. If funds permit, money could also be used to purchase “honor books” which could be rotated among the City’s Senior Center and retirement communities. Library staff would deliver materials to these sites, and volunteers would help process the materials as well as help the people check out and return their books.
FISCAL IMPACT
None. The cost associated with overseeing the administration of the grant, if successful, and the processing of materials and production of programs are contained in the existing operating budget.
PUBLIC CONTACT
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 City Clerk’s office. At their July 13, 2004 Board of Library Trustees meeting, the Board voted unanimously to recommend to City Council Alternative #1 which authorizes Sunnyvale Library to apply for the Target Community Giving grant.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Authorize Sunnyvale Library to apply for the Target Community Giving grant.
2. Do not authorize Sunnyvale Library to apply for the Target Community Giving grant.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Alternative # 1.
Prepared by:
Steve Sloan
Acting Supervising Librarian
Reviewed by:
Victoria L. Johnson
Director of Libraries
Approved by:
Amy Chan
City Manager
Attachments
A. Draft Board of Library Trustees Meeting Minutes of 7/13/04.