Department: County Library
Department Head/Elected Official: Edward Melton, Executive Director
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Grant
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Texas State Library & Archives Commission
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the County Library for approval to submit an application to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for grant funds in the amount of $10,000, with no required match, for the FY 2025 Texas Reads Program.
end
Background and Discussion: Harris County, Texas, has a population of more than 4.7 million, which includes 1.2 million immigrants. Nearly 150 languages are spoken in Harris County. Harris County Public Library (HCPL) serves the residents of Harris County with a variety of educational opportunities, notably including a comprehensive array of English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. These ESL classes are vital in supporting non-native English speakers as they endeavor to learn, read, write, and speak English fluently. Importantly, these classes are provided free of charge and are accessible across all 27 branches of HCPL, thanks to the collaborative efforts of library staff and trained volunteers who serve as instructors.
Over the past five years, HCPL has offered a significant number of ESL classes, totaling 14,872 sessions. Additionally, HCPL has facilitated 2,236 citizenship classes, further assisting individuals in their journey towards integration and citizenship. Classes have been conducted within HCPL’s library branches and partner locations, ensuring widespread accessibility and impact within the community. HCPL is currently unable to meet the demand of the community and all HCPL locations have long waiting lists for ESL classes.
Expected Impact: HCPL aims to significantly bolster its service capacity, ensuring that it can effectively reach and serve eligible participants in every corner of Harris County. English Language Acquisition sessions, formerly identified as English as a Second Language (ESL), typically involve small group settings, with each group consisting of two to eight individuals. These classes and meetings are designed to be flexible, accommodating both daytime and evening schedules, and can be held at locations convenient for both students and tutors.
Alternative Options: HCPL's inability to apply for and secure the grant will result in a continuingly decreased capacity to serve Harris County residents, potentially necessitating the request for additional General Fund dollars.
Alignment with Goal(s):
_ Justice and Safety
X Economic Opportunity
_ Housing
_ Public Health
_ Transportation
_ Flooding
_ Environment
X Governance and Customer Service
Prior Court Action (if any):
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Fiscal and Personnel Summary |
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Library Literacy Program |
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Anticipated Court Date: 04.23.2024
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date):
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Ashley Phillips, Executive Assistant, County Library
Attachments (if applicable): 2024 HCPL Texas Reads (ESL Program) Grant Application & Court Order