Agenda

Return

C.43

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	Anne Cain, Librarian
Date:	April 21, 2009

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Approve and Authorize the Librarian, or Designee, to apply for and accept a grant in the amount of $5,000 from the American Library Association

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 04/21/2009

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Gayle B. Uilkema, District II Supervisor
Mary N. Piepho, District III Supervisor
Susan A. Bonilla, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:

925-646-6423

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: April 21, 2009
David Twa,

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Librarian, or designee, to apply for and accept a grant in the amount of $5,000 from the American Library Association to support literacy development through music for youth 10-18 years of age at the San Pablo Library for the period April 2009 through December 2009.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No fiscal impact.

BACKGROUND:

Few students in San Pablo have access to music education through the public schools. Three public schools serve the majority of San Pablo students ages 10-18: Helms Middle School, Middle College High School, and Richmond High School. In 2007-2008, 6% of Richmond High School students (108 out of 1731) were enrolled in a music course, only 3% of Middle College High School students (12 out of 308) took a music class, and Helms Middle School offered no music classes. Students from other nearby schools in the West Contra Costa District frequently visit the San Pablo Library, and access to music education is similarly limited for students at these schools.

BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)

This project will teach teens about music through a six month program focused on community partnerships and educational activities. The San Pablo Library will sponsor music enrichment assemblies at three local schools and a youth center in North Richmond. The music performances will serve as a kickoff to the library program series, designed to generate interest and enthusiasm among local teens. Throughout the 2009-2010 school year, the San Pablo Library will offer a monthly music program for youth ages 10-18 incorporating a variety of games designed to improve literacy skills.

Grant funds will support music enrichment assemblies at three local schools and a youth center in North Richmond. Grant funds will also provide games and gaming equipment purchased in support of the music programs.

CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:

This grant will support the community outcome of Children Ready for and Succeeding in School. A 2007 study by the National Academy of Sciences demonstrated that musical training enhances the same processing skills in the brain and nervous system that are needed for talking and reading. The researchers noted that musical training develops the sound-encoding mechanisms in the brain stem, improving the ability to process and interpret information.