Approve Agreement ST-ILA-21-03 ("Agreement") with the California State Library to receive grant funding in the amount of $250,000 for the period of January 27, 2022 through March 31, 2024 to purchase a community outreach vehicle, equipment, print materials and technology resources to offer programs that improve library access and program delivery for underserved residents in Yolo County. (No general fund impact) (Fink)

1. Approve and authorize the County Librarian to sign Agreement ST-ILA-21-03 ("Agreement") with the California State Library to receive grant funding in the amount of $250,000 for the period of January 27, 2022 through March 31, 2024 to purchase a community outreach vehicle, equipment, print materials and technology resources to offer programs that improve library access and program delivery for underserved residents in Yolo County; and
    
2. Authorize the County Librarian to enter into and accept any financial or non-financial amendments and/or revisions to the Agreement, including exhibits, attachments, and associated forms, upon approval as to form by County Counsel; and 
    
3. Authorize the Fiscal Administrative Officer of Yolo County Library and/or her designee as an alternate signature designation for any additional forms, documents and/or amendments as necessary relating to this agreement, provided there are no significant programmatic changes or increases in funding.

Thriving Residents

Through a statewide competitive application process, Yolo County Library was selected by the California State Library as a recipient of the "Stronger Together: Improving Library Access" grant.  This state-funded opportunity will provide a $250,000 grant to Yolo County Library so it can acquire a community outreach vehicle and offer programs that improve library access and program delivery.

Consistent with its strategic plan, the purpose of this project is to help Yolo County Library eliminate barriers and implement new ways to bring literacy, technology and other services to those who face challenges visiting their local public library. In Yolo County, many residents lack transportation, live far from their library, or work long hours; accordingly, a mobile library and expanded program delivery will make it possible for more residents in rural and underserved communities to access library services and programs.

Specifically, grant funds will be used to purchase an outreach vehicle (likely a sprinter van), a mobile book collection, enhanced Wi-Fi, chromebooks, and maker kits so staff can reach underserved and under-represented communities in Yolo County.

Customers would be able to check out materials (books, DVDs, hotspots, Chromebooks, early learning kits/backpacks), use our Wi-Fi, experiment with our maker kits, sign up for library cards or the summer reading program, learn about literacy services, print/copy/scan/fax documents, obtain government information (voter registration, tax forms, DMV handbooks, etc.), obtain assistance with job applications, and participate in children's programs.

The van would make regularly-scheduled stops in rural underserved areas (Rumsey, Guinda, Brooks, Capay, Madison Migrant Center, Yolo County Housing -Winters, Dunnigan, Zamora), senior living communities in Davis and West Sacramento, and areas in those cities that are physically distant from our existing libraries, such as South Davis, Bryte/Broderick, and Southport. Additionally, the van would be used to promote the summer reading program, adult and family literacy services, and other library programs and services at farmers’ markets, fairs/parades, schools, nursery schools/daycare facilities, food bank distributions sites, and Friends of the Library events.

These services would address the following outcomes identified in the County’s strategic plan:

1. Reduce economic and educational disparities while building resiliency for vulnerable children, youth, and their families;
2. Reduce economic and health disparities while building resiliency and supportive care for aging residents of Yolo County;
3. Increase stability and supports for agricultural workers.

Outcome measures will include an increase in cardholders in our rural communities and tracking attendance at programs offered in rural non-library locations.

County Counsel, Yolo County Children's Alliance, Yolo County Housing, Yolo County Library Foundation, and First 5 Yolo.

Request for Proposals (RFP) Service Requested: 
Not applicable for this state agreement.