Agenda

Return

C.23

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	Anne Cain, Librarian
Date:	February 3, 2009

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

We the People Grant for the Antioch Library

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 02/03/2009

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:	Ann Cain (925) 646-6423
cc:	eeee County Library Administration County Administration

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: February 3, 2009
David Twa,

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Librarian, or designee, to apply for and accept a grant of library books and materials in support of We the People Bookshelf (classic books) from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for the period of May 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No fiscal impact. No matching funds are required.

BACKGROUND:

The We the People Bookshelf is a set of classic books for young readers from Kindergarten through high school. Each year NEH identifies a theme important to the nation's heritage and selects books that embody that theme. This collection of theme-related books is the Bookshelf. In addition to introducing young readers to good literature, the Bookshelf promotes understanding of abstract or general ideas through the power of particular stories.
Titles selected for the We the People Bookshelf might highlight important chapters in American history; or express universal themes that are integral parts of American culture. The books are intended to represent the rich texture of the American heritage, a tradition that has incorporated ideas and texts from around the world.

NEH awards the Bookshelves to libraries across the country for use in programs primarily for young people. U.S. public and school (K-12) libraries are eligible to apply. In return for receiving a Bookshelf, libraries organize programs that highlight the theme and encourage young readers to explore the selected books.
The American Library Association (ALA) collaborates with NEH to deliver this program. ALA staff and libraries help to select the books, and work directly with the nation's libraries to disseminate information and to encourage libraries to take part in the "We the People Bookshelf" grant program.