August 16, 2005

SUBJECT:  Authorization to Accept $2,500 Einstein’s Big Idea Grant from WGBH Television Station’s Educational Foundation commemorating the “World Year of Physics 2005” and Budget Modification No. 2

REPORT IN BRIEF

The Library is requesting authorization to accept and expend $2,500 awarded under WGBH’s Education Foundation for implementation of science activities and programming for youth, families and adults presented for Sunnyvale Public Library audiences in conjunction with a PBS television program, “Einstein’s Big Idea” which will air on October 11, 2005.

BACKGROUND

To promote the 100^th year anniversary of Albert Einstein’s famous relativity theory, E=mc², public television station WGBH’s Educational Foundation, a non-profit charitable Massachusetts corporation, offered grants of $2,500 each to public libraries across the country to provide a series of activities in local communities relating to Einstein’s E=mc² equation and other science topics.  The project includes the NOVA program, “Einstein’s Big Idea”, which will air on public television on October 11, 2005.  The purpose of the television program and the outreach site grants is to foster greater public awareness about the “E=mc²” equation and to offer ways in which people can become more involved in reading, science and social studies in general.

EXISTING POLICY

Programs and Publications

Goal 6.2C	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.
Policy 6.2C.2	Provide programs for teens and adults to reflect and expand the broad range of interests of community residents.
Collaboration and Customer Focus
Goal 6.2F	Foster a collaborative organization to attain a high performance and customer-focused Library.
Policy 6.2F.1	Establish cooperative relationships to maximize the   effectiveness of Library services.
Action Statement 6.2F.1i	Seek grant funding to enhance library services.

DISCUSSION

Sunnyvale is located in the heart of Silicon Valley with many residents working in the realm of science and mathematics. Highlighting Albert Einstein’s work and his theory of relativity in the midst of science activity in the region is a natural for Sunnyvale Public Library. The year 2005 is the 100^th anniversary of Einstein’s famous equation, E=mc², the centennial of Einstein’s “Miracle Year”, and the “World Year of Physics 2005”, an international celebration of physics endorsed by the United Nations.

Sunnyvale Public Library was one of twenty public libraries that was approved for an “Einstein’s Big Idea” grant, with the distinction of being the only library in California to receive funding. These outreach site grants were awarded by WGBH’s Education Foundation for implementation of science programming for youth, families and adults in public libraries to celebrate the anniversary of Einstein’s E=mc² equation and make it accessible to the general public throughout the United States.  The grant programs coincide with the scheduled television program, “Einstein’s Big Idea”, which will be broadcast on PBS stations on October 11, 2005. The television program is based on the book E=mc²: a Biography of the World’s Most Famous Equation, by David Bodanis.

Through the “Einstein’s Big Idea” grant, Sunnyvale Library staff is planning a series of programs to make science interesting and relevant for children, teens and adults.  Area experts on Einstein’s relativity theory and other science topics will be presenting programs at the library for the public. Library programs are being scheduled during Fall, 2005.  Programs will include a presentation by a physicist/comedian, a science trivia contest, a scavenger hunt for children and teens, science experiments presented by high school students for children, and more. Booklists and displays of related library materials will further emphasize: Einstein and other scientists, physics and other science topics. The Library is collaborating with physics teachers in local high schools and junior colleges, as well as scientists in the area, to present Library programs and to promote them throughout the community.  WGBH and NOVA are providing resources through their website, links to related websites and a kit of resources for grant recipients. The focus on science is compatible with the Library’s goal of continuous learning opportunities in diverse disciplines for the public.

FISCAL IMPACT

The WGBH Educational Foundation awarded an “Einstein’s Big Idea” outreach grant in the amount of $2,500 to the City of Sunnyvale in May, 2005. A budget modification in the amount of $2,500 is requested to fulfill the obligation under this grant award.  If accepted, the grant award will be established as a special project for FY 2005/06.  This will have no fiscal impact as hours and other costs for producing programs are already contained within the existing budget.