From Seed Funding to Flourishing Forest: How State Library Initiatives Can Have a Lasting Impact on Your Community

The California State Library provides grants and pilot project opportunities that help libraries launch innovative services—but how can these initiatives be sustained beyond their initial funding? This session will showcase real-world examples of libraries that successfully transitioned State Library-funded projects into permanent, locally supported services.

Featured projects include a seed library that blossomed into a demonstration garden, a social service referral program that evolved into a permanent Library division, and early childhood programming and training that laid the foundation for a full-scale children’s museum. Learn how the right State Library opportunity can help illuminate needs in your community, identify strategies to manage projects and build support, while strategically planning for long-term service. Whether you're just starting with a grant or looking to expand an existing project, this session will provide practical steps and leadership strategies to help your library turn short-term projects into lasting impact.

Presenter:

Wess Garcia is currently Director of the Rancho Cucamonga Public Library. Credentials include an MLIS from San Jose State University, completion of the Eureka Leadership Institute, and a certificate from the NRPA Revenue Development and Management School. Throughout his career, he has written several successful grants. His most recent success is the launch of the Second Story and Beyond®, children’s discovery space.

Leila Hassen is the City Librarian responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing services for the Azusa City Library. She has secured and managed multiple Library grants inspired by community goals and oversees several collaborative partnerships to ensure sustainability for new and ongoing projects.

Melvin Racelis is the Library Manager at Murrieta Public Library, where he leads strategic planning, community partnerships, and municipal advocacy. He supports staff in developing impactful projects and initiatives, including the Pollinator Demonstration Garden, by overseeing administrative coordination and aligning efforts with city goals.

Shana Sojoyner is a Library Programs Consultant with the California State Library, working on projects focused on Early Learning and Children’s Services.

Track: Program funding