To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Library
Meeting Date: November 17, 2026
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Department Contact: |
Mellisa Hannum |
Phone: |
707-882-3114 |
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Department Contact: |
Kelly Hansen |
Phone: |
707-234-2872 |
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Item Type: Consent Agenda |
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Time Allocated for Item: N/A |
Agenda Title:
title
Ratification and Approval of Submission of Grant Application by the Library for the Year of STEM Program from the American Library Association in the Amount of $5,000; and Authorization for the Library Director or Designee to Execute the Grant Agreement, Other Necessary Documents, and Submit All Documents if Awarded
Vote Requirement: Majority
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Ratify and approve the submission of the grant application by the Library for the Year of STEM program from the American Library Association in the amount of $5,000; and authorize the Library Director or designee to execute the grant Agreement, other necessary documents, and submit all documents if awarded.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
The Board of Supervisors regularly reviews and approves library grant applications.
Summary of Request:
The Mendocino County Library submitted an application to the American Library Association's (ALA) Year of STEM program on October 27, 2026. If awarded, the program would provide the Library with 12 months of curated STEM programming designed to foster curiosity and STEM learning among early childhood learners throughout the county.
Twenty-five libraries will be chosen nationally through a competitive process to participate in ALA’s A Year of STEM program, receiving a $5,000 programming stipend, quarterly STEM kits, professional development to prepare staff for the project, copies of A Year of STEM programming guide, and support from ALA’s Public Programs Office staff throughout the project implementation period.
The grant timeline did not allow sufficient time for the application to be reviewed and approved by the Board of Supervisors before submission. Given the grant's deadlines and the application requirements, staff focused on developing a competitive proposal within the limited timeframe. This strategy was essential to ensure compliance with eligibility criteria and to meet the grant submission deadline. The Library is requesting ratification of the application submission, which was authorized by the CEO prior to submission in accordance with Policy No. 25.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Do not approve and provide direction to staff and return the item to staff for alternative handling.
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: A Thriving Economy
Supervisorial District: All
Supplemental Information Available Online At: https://www.ala.org/tools/programming/STEM
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: American Library Association (ALA) & Cummins Inc. |
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current f/y cost: Staff time to run program if grant is awarded. |
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budget clarification: Possible grant revenue of $5,000 if awarded. |
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annual recurring cost: The grant’s period of performance runs February 2027 through January 2028. Any awarded funds would be budgeted for FY26-27 and FY27-28. |
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budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): No Grant funds will be budgeted upon award in future budget adjustments or appropriation requests. |
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revenue agreement: Yes |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: N/A
CEO Liaison: Steve Dunnicliff, Deputy CEO
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Item Status |
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Date: Date Executed |
Executed Item Type: item |
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Number: |
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