DATE: May 20, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Library Department
TITLE: ACCEPTANCE OF ITEMS AWARDED THROUGH LITERACY SPACES AND EMPOWERING ACCESS PROJECTS
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the City Council approve the acceptance of items awarded through Literacy Spaces and EmPOWERing Access projects supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provision of the Library Services Technology Act.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
In April 2026, the Library & Cultural Arts Department applied for and was awarded items from two opportunities: Literacy Spaces and EmPOWERing Access projects. The opportunities were made available through the California State Library with funding received from the U.S. Institute of Museum of Library Services under the Library Services Technology Act. The project disbursements are administered in California by the State Library with the Pacific Library Partnership and the Southern California Library Cooperative.
The Literacy Spaces project was created to enhance the spaces of learners, and EmPOWERing Access project is intended to support libraries in expanding access to information and educational opportunities in their communities. As part of the Literacy Spaces project, $11,200 in one-time funding was awarded for furnishings to be chosen from a curated list through a specific Library vendor, Demco, for the City’s Literacy program. The chosen items include two book carts and twenty-two chairs to be used at the READS Learning Center, currently located at 804 Pier View Way, and at its future location at 615 Mission Avenue.
In addition, through the EmPOWERing Access Project, Library staff were able to select an early learning light table for the Civic Center Library, and six sewing machines to be used for Library programming, and to be made available for check out by patrons as part of the Library’s Library of Things collection. Through previous grant projects and as part of its Strategic Plan goal to promote sustainability and access, the circulating Library of Things collection in the past year has expanded, and this funding opportunity assists the Library in executing this work.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact.
COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE REPORT
The Library Board of Trustees approved acceptance of the items at its regular April 28, 2026 meeting.
CITY ATTORNEY’S ANALYSIS
Does not apply.
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Prepared by: CJ Di Mento, Library Director
Reviewed by: Michael Gossman, Assistant City Manager
Submitted by: Jonathan Borrego, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Literary Space Award Email
2. EmPOWERing Access Award Letter