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Receive a presentation on the Solano County Library Adult Literacy Program
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Library Services recommends the Board of Supervisors receive a presentation on the Solano County Library Adult Literacy Program.
SUMMARY:
September is Adult Literacy Awareness Month. The Solano County Library Adult Literacy Program was established in 1994 with a start-up grant from the California State Library and provides free adult basic literacy and English as an additional language education program. Other available programs include family literacy activities, career online high school scholarships and free books to clinics in Solano County as part of Reach Out and Read, a national pediatric literacy program. The mission of the program is to increase literacy levels of adults in the community, enabling them to improve the health and safety of their families and participate fully in Solano County communities.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Library's FY2024/25 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
In 1986, the United States Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 358, designated September as Adult Literacy Awareness Month. The Senate requested that the President of the United States issue a proclamation which was signed by the late President Ronald Reagan on August 27, 1986. September continues to be recognized by Literacy programs nationwide as Adult Literacy Awareness month.
Recognizing September as Adult Literacy Awareness Month heightens public awareness of the vital role adult literacy education plays in Solano County, the impact low literacy skills has on our community, and provides an opportunity for prospective students and volunteer tutors to learn about how they can participate in the program.
Approximately 23% of the adult residents of Solano Count...
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