California Library Association — 2022 Legislative Priorities

CLA 2022 Legislative Priorities

CLA News: 3.23.2022

The California Library Association — through its members and advocates — works to make a difference for all Californians by providing adequately funded libraries, which transform lives through their programs and services.

At the state level, CLA actively advocates for the following:

New and Ongoing Funding Requests

➤ $1.4 million to reach $5,000,000 in ongoing funding for the California Library Services Act (CLSA) that fosters resource sharing among libraries, particularly in rural areas where funding challenges persist.

➤ $450,000 to reach $1,250,000 in ongoing funding for Lunch at the Library to provide literacy-rich programs to blunt the impact of the summer slide for children who receive 300,000+ free and nutritious lunches at hundreds of libraries across the state.

➤ $785,000 for JobNow, VetNow, and LearnNow, to support economic recovery and education for vulnerable populations.

➤ Maintain ongoing funding to support the diverse informational needs of people in rural and underserved populations who cannot get to a physical library through Zip Books.

➤ $4 million dollars in funding to support Ebooks for All aimed at increasing access to digital content for early learners and school-aged children throughout California.

Equitable Access to Critical Library and Information Services

◉  Broadband equity for unserved and underserved communities.

◉ Support the freedom to read and access to material with diverse points of view.

◉ Accessible buildings, including upgrades to critical infrastructure and support in times of disaster such as wildfires and extreme heat.

◉ Early literacy, school readiness, adult literacy, career development, vocational support, and assistance to vulnerable populations.

◉ Mandate credentialed Teacher Librarians in all California Public Schools.

◉ Support for libraries to purchase eBooks and e-audiobooks at the same price as consumers.  READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 14

Reading Level: difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 21-22 yrs. old

(college level)

 

Governor Newsome Releases “May Revision” OF 2021-22 State Budget ▬ News from the Capitol

Governor Newsome Releases 

“May Revision” OF 2021-22 State Budget

Save CA Public Library

News from the Capitol: 5.14.2021 by Mike Dillon & Christina DiCaro, CLA

Governor proposes $50 million for library construction and funding for library broadband projects

This morning Governor Gavin Newsom held a press event in order to present his “May Revision” of the 2021-22 State Budget. The “May Revision” process allows Governor Newsom the ability to update his January Budget to reflect the April (or in this case, May) tax receipts and federal funding allotments. In the May Revision document the Governor released this morning, it states, “The May Revision stands in stark contrast to the budget of one year ago. Compared to a projected budget deficit of $54 billion a year ago, the state now has a projected $75.7 billion surplus. Combined with over $25 billion in federal relief, this supports a $100 billion California Comeback Plan – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only speed the state’s recovery from the pandemic, but to address long-standing challenges and provide opportunity for every California family – regardless of their income, race, or ZIP code.”

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Included in the proposals for public libraries under the State Library Budget are the following items:

INFRASTRUCTURE

Library Infrastructure – An increase of $50 million in one-time General Fund for an equity-focused matching grant program to support local library infrastructure.”

Broadband Access – An increase of $35 million one-time General Fund available through 2024-25, to expand broadband access to isolated and under-served communities through a collaborative partnership of local education agencies, regional libraries, and telehealth providers and leverage available federal funds through the E-Rate Program.

Broadband Capacity and Equipment Grants – An increase of $6 million one-time General Fund to support the Broadband Connectivity Initiative.

EDUCATION

English as a Second Language – An increase of $15 million one-time General Fund to support English as a Second Language programs offered through local libraries.”

Online Tutoring – An increase of $6.4 million one-time General Fund to support a two-year pilot online tutoring service program.”

OTHER INVESTMENTS

Assistive Technology – An Increase of $1.6 million one-time General Fund and $220,000 ongoing General Fund to support Assistive Technology for Visually Impaired Californians.

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Today’s announcement from Governor Newsom comes on the heels of the recent announcement by the Senate Democrat Caucus that they are seeking $1 Billion for public library infrastructure (new builds, renovation/remodels, etc.), plus a public library broadband connectivity component in this year’s State Budget, as well as a funding proposal to help public libraries eliminate patron library fines.  READ MORE ➤➤

 

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 15

Reading Level: very difficult to read.

Reader's Age: College graduate

California Library Association ▬ Budget Ask Letter 2020-21

California Library Association ▬ Budget Ask Letter 2020-21

CLA: 11.07.2020

October 27, 2020

Dear Governor Newsom,

On behalf of the California Library Association (CLA), the statewide association
representing city, county and special district libraries, I would like to thank you for your past support of public library programs in the State Budget, and for your talented leadership as the State navigates the challenges brought about by the coronavirus. As you are well aware, the 2020 pandemic has exposed tremendous areas of community needs for students, homebound seniors, and our library patrons who now find themselves out of work. One of the true bright spots of the crippling pandemic has been the work of California's public libraries in providing critical community services.

However, California's public libraries are offering these programs on a razor thin margin, which is simply not sustainable. To that end, CLA respectfully requests your consideration of budget relief funding for the following programs under Section 6120 of the California State Library, as you craft your 2021-22 State Budget. (These requests are listed in priority order.)

1. Restoration of the cut to the California Library Services Act - $1.75 million "ongoing"

The California Library Services Act has been in existence since the early 1970's, with the sole purpose of requiring that libraries participate in a cooperative and collaborative manner of sharing resources among the nine geographic regions of the state. The CLSA funding is truly the glue that holds the cooperative loaning and lending structure in place for these libraries. At its origination, this program was intended to provide reimbursement for books and materials traveling by van in between libraries, for patrons requesting specific items that their own neighborhood library may not possess. While libraries still continue to move physical items between jurisdictions and branches, now CLSA dollars are often used for large digital subscription services, such as eBooks and eMagazines to promote a broader collection of digital resources for libraries which aids
students with homework, vulnerable populations who can't get to the library, and
people learning new skills for workforce development.

Since March, libraries have seen their eBook use nearly double. Libraries are partnering with schools to provide age appropriate eBooks for homework help in the absence of school library electronic collections. Within San Mateo County, 14 school districts have partnered with the public libraries for eCollections for their students, and public libraries are issuing thousands of library cards to students through these partnerships.

2. Lunch at the Library- Ongoing or one-time funding - $1.25 million

For many years, CLA has worked with the State Library on the successful "Lunch at the Library" program where children who are in need of a meal during the summer months, can receive their lunch at the library. Almost 220 public libraries provided nearly 300,000 meals to more than 32,000 children in 2019. Lunch at the Library has a dual purpose of promoting literacy and addressing the "summer slide," where library staff offer programs and books to children while food is served in a non-judgmental setting for children and, in some cases, their parents. However, the impact of COVID-19 and the need for quality meals for the student population this year was staggering.

3. Zip Books - One-time funding: $750,000

CLA was grateful to you for including $1 million in your January 2020-21 State Budget for "Zip Books," a program which features an innovative way of providing books and materials to patrons who, for various reasons, are unable to physically get to a local library to obtain their desired item. The program is based in 327 public libraries and was able to serve 45,000 people, focusing on those who are in rural communities and underserved residents.

4. Career Online High School - One-time funding - $750,000

Over the course of the last few years, public libraries and the State Library have assisted 793 adults in their efforts to complete a high school diploma using an online program called, "Career Online High School." Twenty-eight counties in the state currently utilize this life-changing program, which enables adults to obtain their diploma and move on to post-secondary degrees (which cannot be done with a GED) or various career paths. A high school diploma has significantly better outcomes than a GED, and with  this online program students who may not be able to get to a regular classroom, or who work irregular schedules, can benefit.  READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 14

Reading Level: difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 21-22 yrs. old

(college level)

Camarena Library ▬ Reflections on COVID-19

Reflections on COVID-19

California
COVID Diaries

Adult Literacy on the Border: 8.04.2020 Clara Auyon

Today's post comes from Clara Auyon who has been in the ALS program for a couple of years now. With the guidance of literacy staff, she decided to participate in the California COVID Diaries project from the California State Library and California Library Literacy Services, and these are her reflections on the impact that COVID-19 has had on her life.

How has your life changed?

My life changed because I had to reorganize my day to day trying to fulfill my personal and professional activities without leaving home. Being in contact with my family, friends, neighbors, virtually, no longer hugging, kissing, meeting or sharing important dates with them in person. We had to implement all the hygiene protocols inside and outside the house, with food and not food as indicated by health authorities. Being at home all day we had to create new activities to fill our free time.

How have you changed?

It made me even more sensitive to the reality experienced by the most vulnerable people, valuing and enjoying what I have, my husband, my kids, my friends, my work, recognizing and investing every minute in what is really worthy, thanking God for being alive, for giving me faith and hope in these difficult times, for having a roof, food. Continuing working to be a better person, more committed to help others.

Important highlights: any silver linings?

We spend more time with my children, family thru WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. I am very happy to share more time with my husband. Before I only saw him Monday to Friday from 10 pm to 8 am. We have time to sharing activities that we like, cooking, watching movies, talking about politics, technology, etc.  READ MORE ➤➤

Camarena Library Adult Literacy Services

These services are offered to adults, 16 years or older who are not enrolled in school, who would like to improve their English reading skills. One-on-one tutoring is available upon enrollment in the program. Volunteers from the community help other improve their English reading and writing skills in this program.

Call the library at (760) 768-2170 to set up an appointment

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 9

Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 13-15 yrs. old

(Eighth and Ninth graders) 

CLA 2019 Outstanding Librarians in Support of Literacy Award ▬ Monica Chapa-Domercq ▬ Oceanside Library

Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

2019 Award Recipient

Monica Chapa Domercq, Oceanside Public Library

CLA: 2020

Monica Chapa-Domercq is Principal Librarian of the Oceanside Public Library and manages reference services, public programming and collection development for adults. She recently began overseeing the READS Literacy program. She implements community conversations to inclusively inform development of locally relevant programs and services. As an active participant in the cultural life of Oceanside, Monica strengthens bonds by creating partnerships and collaborating with local leaders while serving on committees for cultural celebrations and festivals.

=This year, her team was the recipient of the Book to Action grant from the California Center for the Book, and she served on the ‘One Book, One San Diego’ Selection Committee. She has directed five National Endowment for the Arts ‘Big Read’ grants for the Library, and will be working on the Library’s sixth such community-wide read in February/March 2020.

Past Award Recipients

Stacey Costello, Colusa County Free Library (2018)
John Szabo, Los Angeles Public Library (2018)
Ned Branch, Blanchard Community Library (2017)
Heather Pizzuto, Carlsbad City Library (2016)
Jayanti Addleman, Monterey County Free Libraries (2015)
Natasha Casteel, Roseville Public Library (2014)
Patricia Noa, OC Public Libraries (2013)
Christy Aguirre, Sacramento Public Library (2012)
Patricia Lorenzo, Santa Clara County Library (2011)
Anne Cain, Contra Costa County Library (2010)
Derek Wolfgram, Santa Clara County Library (2009)
Jean Hofacket, Alameda County Library (2008)
Carol Starr, Marin County Free Library (2007)
John M. Adams, Orange County Public Library (2006)
Sofia Bellos, Oxnard Public Library (2005)
Leslie McGinnis, Oakland Public Library (2004)
Chuck Aston, Redwood City Public Library (2003)

CLA's Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recognizes a librarian who has demonstrated passion, excellence and dedication in support of adult literacy.  The award is sponsored by Grass Roots Press.

One award will be given out in 2020. The Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award recipient will receive one year free individual CLA membership and will be honored at the CLA annual conference.  Additionally, Grass Roots Press will give the recipient's library $350 of materials of the recipient's choice to support adult literacy.

Submit your nomination for the Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy Award

Application period will close on February 1, 2021

READ MORE ➤➤

 

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 15

Reading Level: very difficult to read.

Reader's Age: College graduate

 

Writer to Writer Celebration Event ▬ International Literacy Day ▬ September 8 @ 1 PM

Writer to Writer Celebration Event

International Literacy Day

September 8 - 1 PM

National Literacy Month

Writer to Writer Celebration Event

CLA Calendar: 9.8.2020

Join adult literacy learners and State Librarian Greg Lucas in honoring the winners of the annual Writer to Writer Challenge! Writer to Writer is an annual writing contest held in literacy programs in Southern California Library Literacy Network libraries and Monterey County Free Library.

Learners read a book, then write a letter to the author about the impact the book had on their life. 

Hear the learners read their letters and get inspired to create your own Writer to Writer letter.

Riverside County Library ◯ Family Literacy Program

Family Literacy Program

Riverside County Library

The family literacy program at the Riverside County Library System’s Literacy Services is the newest addition to our program offerings thanks to the California Library Literacy Services generous support. This program provides literacy support to adult learners and their families to increase literacy skills across generations.

Family Programming

Libraries throughout Riverside County will be hosting different family literacy events and workshops, which include the following programs:

Family Literacy Hour

– This program offers an overview of the importance of early reading, shared reading strategies, and at-home literacy activity ideas.

Literacy and Loteria

– This program offers four weekly workshops for parents and caregivers on the following topics: Family Goal Setting

◆ Sparking Conversations with Your Family

◆ Shared Book Reading

◆ Taking Reading Outside the Cover

◆ Raising a Reader

– This program is offered during a library’s story time by providing a books for children and families to take home and read together over a period of a few months.

◆ The Lit Café

– This program offers more in-depth literacy workshop skills for both caregivers and their child.  READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 20

Reading Level: very difficult to read.

Reader's Age: College graduate

State Budget Deal Includes $1.75M Cut To CA Library Services Act

State Budget Deal Includes

A Cut To CA Library Services Act

CLA News: 6.24.2020 by Mike Dillon and Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists

Save California Public Library and Literacy Funding

On June 15th, the 2020-21 State Budget bill, SB 74, was approved by both the Assembly and Senate and was subsequently sent to Governor Newsom for his action. SB 74 seeks to close a projected $54 billion Budget deficit while still retaining protections for “safety net” programs and K-12 education.

However, due to the abbreviated legislative session, brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, the Senate and Assembly were not able to secure an official “deal” with the Governor relative to the State Budget before they sent the main Budget bill down to him. Negotiations between the two Democrat Leaders and the Governor over the weekend were successful and a new, supplemental agreement was reached over the last few days.

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Unfortunately, despite our best attempts, the legislature and the Governor are making a cut to the California Library Services Act in the amount of $1.75 million, which will leave $1.88 million in the baseline for the program. This cut is not tied to the “trigger” as best as we can tell. We have attempted to get clarification of this action but it appears the $1.75 million would not be restored under the trigger package in Budget trailer bills, AB 89 and SB 121. (The CLSA reduction appears in the main Budget bill, SB 74.)

The Senate Budget Committee convened late this afternoon to begin processing 20 so-called “Budget trailer bills” that implement the terms of the new deal with the Governor. The Committee will be working late into the evening tonight and then the full Senate and Assembly will vote on the bills by this Friday.

The legislature will not know what the state’s true fiscal condition will be until California receives the July 15 tax receipts, and there will likely be Budget clean-up items that need to be considered by the legislature in August. In the meantime, the California Library Association Legislative Committee, Chaired by Carol Frost and Scott Love, will be meeting to discuss the development of a grassroots campaign which would seek to restore the CLSA cut if state revenues improve.  READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 13

Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 18-19 yrs. old

(college level entry)

CLLS Special Projects ◯ COVID Diaries

COVID Diaries

CLLS Special Projects

Each of us has been impacted in different ways by the COVID-19 pandemic. Old, young, and in-between, we’ve all experienced big changes in our work life, family life, and social life.

The California State Library is inviting Californians to share their experiences and stories of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We encourage the California Library Literacy Services community to take part in this project and share a story, a poem, a letter–however you feel comfortable expressing yourself. Learners can choose to write their own submission or dictate their experience to their tutor.

The project team will collect submissions from learners, tutors, and library literacy staff, add submissions to the State Library’s archive, and maintain a California Library Literacy Services archive.

How the California Library Literacy Services community can take part

➤ Contact your library literacy coordinator for the link to the project website* which includes submission information and a full set of resources to help you take part.

➤ Use the resources below and on the project website to create a poem or story or whatever you choose to describe your experience.

➤ Send in your submission through the project website.

* The project website is for the California Library Literacy Services community only. Library literacy coordinators will provide learners and tutors with access to the URL.

Resources

A guided writing tool focusing on Covid-19

A resource for creating a Word Bank, something to help you think of words to use in a poem, letter, or other reflection

A template for writing a themed poem 

(it can be helpful to create your Word Bank first)

A story starters template to help you start writing

A template for writing a reflection in six words

A template for writing a Cinquain (five-line) poem

A template for writing a Diamond (seven-line) descriptive poem

A template for writing an autobiographical poem

A template for writing a self-reflective “I am” poem

California Library Literacy Services COVID Diaries Team

Thank you to the team for creating the California Library Literacy Services COVID Diaries resources and for helping library literacy learners, families, tutors, and staff participate in the COVID Diaries project. 

Alisa Adams, Sonoma County Library

Shanon Delaney, OC Public Libraries

Chelsea Genack Eggli, Oceanside Public Library

Toni Notar, Watsonville Public Library

Amy Prevedel, Consultant

Carrie Scott, Carlsbad City Library

Diane Shimota, A.K. Smiley (Redlands)

Cherall Weiss, Newport Beach Public Library

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on (7) readability formulas:

Grade Level: 16

Reading Level: difficult to read.

Reader's Age: College graduate

Action Requested Time Sensitive ◯ Send A Quick Tweet ◯ Save CA Library Funding In The State Budget

Action Requested: Time Sensitive

Send A Quick Tweet To Save

CA Library Funding In The State Budget

CLA: 6.10.2020

Save California Public Library and Literacy Funding

The California State Legislature and the Governor are putting the final touches on the 2020-21 State Budget, which is required to be passed by the Legislature by June 15th. CLA has learned that the Legislature is proposing a $1.5 million cut to the California Library Services Act, the collaborative loaning and lending program utilized by the regional Systems. As you know, library borrowing grew substantially during the COVID-19 “shelter in place” orders and these loaned materials have been a lifeline for many parents who are home-schooling their children, as well seniors, immunocompromised persons, the homebound community, college students, and others.

A $1.5 million cut to the program would have significant negative effects on the CLSA at a time that libraries can ill afford a reduction in these services.

Popular programs like Lunch at the Library and Zip Books are also being proposed for cuts this year, which will also mean painful reductions for these critical community services.

Please take a minute today and send one of the three following tweets below to the Senate Budget Chair, Holly Mitchell, who has been a champion of library funding in past years, and Assemblyman Phil Ting, Assembly Budget Chair. The State is facing a $54 billion Budget deficit, so the legislature is looking for dollars wherever they can find them in order to balance the Budget. Help us save the CLSA by sending your tweet by Friday morning (June 12).

Thank you for your help.

Sample tweets follow:

Libraries are critical lifelines for the community during the pandemic. Popular programs like Lunch at the Library and the CA Library Services Act are on the chopping block in the State Budget. Will you please help us save the funding @SenHJMitchell and @PhilTing

The CA Library Assoc encourages @SenHJMitchell and @PhilTing to restore the $1.5 million cut to the CA Library Services Act before passing the 2020-21 State Budget. CLSA is a popular loaning and lending program. Public library patrons who are requesting materials for at-home use is at an all time high.

Parents who are home-schooling kids, seniors, and the disabled community all understand the value of public libraries and free library resources during COVID-19.. These services are in jeopardy, however, if the CA Library Services Act cut is not restored in the Budget. Looking to @SenHJMitchell, a library champion, to help.

Automatic Readability Checker

Readability Consensus

Based on (7) readability formulas:

Grade Level: 12

Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.

Reader's Age: 17-18 yrs. old

(Twelfth graders)