King County Library System Foundation

Accessibility and Inclusion programs were granted approximately $370,000. This set of programs advance DEI in our communities in a number of ways. First, Writers of Color Author Series a series of online programs featuring high-profile BIPOC authors. A BIPOC community leader from King County moderates each event. Next, Connect: Wi-Fi Hotspots and Laptops program makes internet access available to people who would not otherwise be able to access it by distributing laptops and hotspots to partner agencies that serve people who are experiencing housing insecurity, as well as low-income seniors, immigrants, refugees, and students. Connecting Older Adults Online program takes a holistic approach providing learning opportunities that build the digital skills necessary in todays world, and art and humanities activities that are necessary for emotional well-being as people age. Older adults and caregivers are served through 40 online digital literacy classes, 100 online arts classes, and an online author series. The LGBTQIA+ Intergen Peer Programming a pilot program in which library staff will collaborate with community organizations to develop a framework for designing intergenerational LGBTQIA+ Programming and will host a series of 3 programs based on that framework. Lastly, Memory Labs Funded by a grant from The Mellon Foundation, KCLS will work with community partners during the Memory Lab project to gather, amplify, and preserve the stories of patrons who have been impacted by systemic inequities, and language and cultural barriers.

Approximately $253,000 was granted to support Lifelong Literacy & Learning Programs. These programs include Raising a Reader, Supporting Grade Level Reading, and Study Zone. Raising a Reader is a nationally recognized caregiver engagement and book delivery program, built upon research showing that childrens literacy increases when families are engaged in a regular reading routine and have access to high-interest books that are developmentally appropriate with diverse representation. Through partnerships with other agencies, we connect directly with high-priority audiences. KCLS provides developmentally appropriate and diverse books for young children and their families, which are distributed through community partners each week. Supporting Grade Level Reading OTTER & Sasquatch Award. A program that helps reluctant and eager readers alike develop and strengthen their love of reading by offering fun books, engaging activities, and the voice to vote for their favorite books of the year. Book sets are distributed using an equity lens prioritizing schools that are under-resourced. StudyZone, a volunteer-led program providing learning support in a consistent and positive environment allowing students to receive tutoring in all subjects. It also gives English language learners the opportunity to practice English conversation and reading with their peers and get homework help from tutors who speak a wide range of languages.