Resource Guides: State Aid Review: State Aid Around the U.S.

States Offering Aid to Public Libraries

Use the tabs above to navigate to state aid program information for a specific state.

Amount of State Aid Recently Reported

Alaska

State Grant Funding Through the Alaska Statutes and Alaska Administrative Code

Each year, the State Legislature appropriates funds for library grants to the State Library. The State Library uses 75% of this appropriation to fund the public library assistance grants. These funds are simply divided up by the number of public library outlets that are eligible for the public library grant. In recent years, the amount of the public library assistance grant for each outlet has ranged from $6,200 to $6,350. The remaining 25% of this appropriation is used to fund netlender reimbursement and interlibrary cooperation grants.

(Google search by Liz Babbitt)

Alabama

Information about State Aid in Alabama can be found at this link: http://webmini.apls.state.al.us/apls_web/apls/apls/?q=stateaid

Arizona

State Grants-in-Aid (SGIA)

What is SGIA?

In 1981, the Arizona legislature developed State Grants-in-Aid (SGIA) to help Arizona libraries meet the information needs of Arizona residents. SGIA provides limited construction funding to public libraries, and annual awards to county library districts and to cities with populations of 100,000 or more.

Who Qualifies?

In order to qualify for SGIA, libraries must:

Be organized as a governmental unit or a non-profit organization.
Agree to the Arizona State Library Resource Access and Attainment Policy.
Provide library services free of charge to all residents within the library area.
Be open to the public on a regular basis with regular, posted hours.
Be in good standing with the State Library by submitting library statistics and all other reports in a complete, accurate and timely manner.
Adhere to any requirements specified in the Arizona Revised Statutes, including but not limited to ARS 9-411 through 9-420 (Cities and Towns/Public Libraries); ARS 11-901 through 11-914 (Counties/Public Libraries); and ARS 34-502 (Computer Access/Harmful to Minors).

How Can Funds Be Used?

State funds will be used for library services county or citywide. Funds will not be used for indirect or administrative costs.
County/city will expend no less than the amount of state grants-in-aid awarded in the same fiscal year for county/citywide library services. SGIA requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match. State money may not be substituted for local match.
The recipient agrees to submit a final report, which includes a narrative, budget and certification.

To apply for SGIA funding, go to the online application.

(Google search by Liz Babbitt)

Arkansas

Based on Statutes and Standards but a funding formula was not found.

http://www.library.arkansas.gov/servicesFor/Documents/How%20to%20Qualify%20for%20State%20Aid%20PDF%20Sept%202014.pdf

Authority:
http://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/2012/title-13/chapter-2/

Colorado

Content will be added soon.

Connecticut

Molly Fogerty reports:

Is State Aid Offered?	Yes
What are the requirements?	Submit Public Library Statistical Report and application for State Aid ( Annual) Provide equal access to library materials without charge Participate in Connecticard, a statewide reciprocal borrowing program Do not have discriminatory policies or practices. Certify that the library’s annual tax levy or appropriation has not been reduced to an amount which is less than the average amount levied or appropriated for the library in the preceding three years. ( this last requirement has been suspended for FY2011-2015) State Aid funds may be used for general library purposes, including but not limited to: operating expenditures for salaries, library materials, and equipment, purchase of land or construction or renovation.
What is the basic funding formula?	The formula for determining grant amounts is included in the state statutes. It provides for a base grant of$1200 to each library, plus additional amounts for equalization based on town AENGL (Adjusted Equalization Net Grand List Per Capita) rankings and for incentive based on each town’s per capita library expenditures.
Must the funds be expended by the end of the FY?	Must be used within two years of receipt, unless a library has received authority to carry over funds beyond the two year limit.
Special Features:	FY16 Budget: Line Item and Statutory changes to eliminate program in Governor’s budget.
Funding in FY15:	Eligible Towns 167, Total disbursement: $193,391, each town received the same amount: $1,158, with the exception of Griswold (sister library with Lisbon) received $2,316 and Winchester (with Colebrook and Barkhamsted) received $3,474.

Delaware

Content will be added soon.

Florida

Content will be added soon.

Georgia

Content will be added soon.

Hawaii

Content will be added soon.

Illinois

Per capita grants and Equalization grants can be applied for

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/grants/plpc_equalization.html

Authority:

LCS 10 §§ 8–8.1

23 Ill. Adm. Code 3035.115

23 Ill. Adm. Code 3035.135

Iowa

Content will be added soon.

Kansas

Content will be added soon.

Kentucky

Content will be added soon.

Louisiana

Partick Marshall reports:

Looking up Louisiana State Aid - Found a couple of things.

1. State Aid - "In 1996, State Library succeeded in securing 1,000,000 in state aid to public libraries for technology enhancement and library resources development. Since then the legislature has appropriated significant sums for the above purposes, as well as monies for improving public library internet connectivity with more powerful data lines. As envisioned by the State Library, the ultimate aim is to ensure the smooth functioning of Louisiana Libraries Connect, an electronic network for public libraries."
That being said, a look at the 2013 report for LA libraries showed that no library received any State Aid funding so it looks as though the monies have not been funded by the Legislature. (latest data available...I have not gone back to look at prior year reports)

2. State Revenue Sharing Funds - State revenue sharing, a partial reimbursement for ad valorem (property) taxes which are not collectible due to the State's homestead exemption.
A library wishing to collect this contacts their state legislature and asks requests that new millages be included in the next revenue sharing bill.

According to the 2010 Library Director Manual/Handbook the breakdown of library funding was 85% from local taxes, 6% from State Revenue Sharing, 2% from State Aid , 0.7% Federal funds and 6.8% from monies raised through fundraisers, overdue fines, etc. (course, I did not see any library getting State Aid in 2013)

As I mentioned at the meeting yesterday, no set "guidelines" as we have to get state funding. It does appear that the libraries are responsible for writing their own tax ballot questions (within state guidelines) so they are really working it to raise funds.

Maryland

Will Adamczyk reports:

TITLE: State Aid for Libraries

FUND: General

AUTHORITY: Education Article, Section 23-501 through 23-510 Budget Book and Budget Bill Text, R00A02.31 (formerly 36.01.02.31 prior to FY 1987)

DESCRIPTION: State aid for libraries dates to Charter 122 of the 1962 session of the General Assembly. The State shares in the current operating and capital expenditures of counties and Baltimore City participating in the county-State minimum library program (defined currently as $14.00 per capita). The State’s Share of the total is divided among the counties accounting to their relative wealth, which no county to receive less than 20% of its minimum program cost. Local governments may use up to 20% of the state and local shares of library program funds for capital expenses.

CASH FLOW: Automatically (without billing) to the Board of Library Trustees, or, if none, to the county, for library purposes only. The annual allocation is paid bi-monthly. (There is no legally required schedule of payment; proceeding is present practice in Maryland State Department of Education).

DISTRIBUTION METHOD: The population as estimated based on the decennial census or more recent estimates by the State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, for July 1 of the calendar year before the fiscal year for which the aid calculation is made (July 1, 2015 for Fiscal 2016) is multiplied by $14.00 and the result is divided by the total local wealth to determine the local contribution rate (factor), which is rounded to the fifth decimal place. The local contribution rate is applied to each subdivision’s local wealth. The wealth equals the sum of adjusted assessed valuation of real property and public utility operating property for the prior fiscal year as determined by the Department of Assessments and Taxation, and net taxable income as determined by the State Comptroller. The resulting local share is subtracted from the local program to determine the State share of the local program. If the computed State share is less than 20% of the local program, the State makes up the difference to the minimum State share of 20% of the local program.

Per Capita Library Program Amount History:
FY
1983	$5.67
1984	$5.67
1985	$5.67
1986	$5.67
1987	$6.50
1988	$6.75
1989	$7.00
1990	$7.25
1991	$7.25
1992	$7.25
1993	$7.25
1994	$7.25
1995	$7.25
1996	$8.25
1997	$8.25
1998	$9.25
1999	$10.75
2000	$11.00
2001	$11.50
2002	$12.00
2003	$12.00
2004	$12.00
2005	$12.00
2006	$12.00
2007	$13.00
2008	$14.00
2009	$15.00
2010 & Fwd	$14.00

BASIS FOR BUDGET ESTIMATE: Without a change in the per capita amount, or added weight given to the local wealth factor, the City can anticipate a year to year decline in this revenue source because of the population/per capita factor.

CONTACT: Gordon E. Krabbe
Director Administrative and Technical Services Library
(410) 396-5310
Maryland State Department of Education
Tina Bjarekull, Deputy State Superintendent for Finance.
(410) 767-0100

Doc. ref.: RevModels/RevDescrip/GF /A001-475
Revised: 12/16/2014 to incorporate information submitted by Agency with its FY 2016 budget submission.

Michigan

Content will be added soon.

Minnesota

Based on Statute but funding formula was not found.

Authority:

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=134.20

Mississippi

Subgrants for Personnel Expenditures but a funding formula was not found.

http://www.mlc.lib.ms.us/servicestolibraries/grants.html

Authority:

http://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/2013/title-39/chapter-3/article-1/

Missouri

Content will be added soon.

Montana

Content will be added soon.

Nebraska

Content will be added soon.

Nevada

Content will be added soon.

New Jersey

Will Adamczyk reports:

Dear Mr. Adamcyzk,

Thanks very much for your questions. I’ll try to answer each of them below.

1. Yes, we do have a Per Capita State Aid program.

2. Most of the regulations governing a library’s receipt of State Aid can be found here: http://www.njstatelib.org/services_for_libraries/resources/library_law/page02-2/ Also, the statutes governing State Aid can be found here: http://www.njstatelib.org/services_for_libraries/resources/library_law/state_aid/

3. The funding formula can be found at the second link above under statute N.J.S.A. 18A:74-3. Basically, most libraries in NJ that qualify for State Aid receive $1.25 per capita. However, that amount is prorated since the State Aid program is not fully funded by the NJ Legislature. The current proration factor is approximately 0.35.

4. State Aid funds must be spent within two years of the date of receipt of the funds, unless the library submits a plan to the State Librarian describing why they would like to hold the funds for longer.

5. While the program is very interesting to me (I may be a bit biased since I manage the program) I have not compared it to other state aid programs to know what would be out of the ordinary. I do know that the money libraries receive from the program is most often used to supplement their materials budget (though the money may be used for any library related purpose).

I hope the information above helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Best regards,
Bob Keith
Data Coordinator
New Jersey State Library
185 W State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
P: 609-278-2640x192
F: 609-278-2652
rkeith@njstatelib.org

New Mexico

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New York

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North Carolina

Block grants for county systems with additional dollars for networks for 50% of the funds. The other 50% is an EQV per capital grant .

Standards: http://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/ld/grants/stateaid.html

Authority:

http://ncrules.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2007%20-%20cultural%20resources/chapter%2002%20-%20state%20library/subchapter%20i/07%20ncac%2002i%20.0201.html

North Dakota

Content will be added soon.

Oklahoma

Content will be added soon.

Oregon

Content will be added soon.

Pennsylvania

Jan Resnick reports:

I haven’t had a response to my email re state aid, but here is what I have retrieved so far:

The Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Bureau of Library Development, Division of Subsidies and Grants administers the State Aid to Public Libraries subsidy. Eligible public libraries use state aid to defray the day-to-day costs incurred in providing public library service. On average, state aid provides about 16-18% of public library income in Pennsylvania.

To be eligible, public libraries must meet standards relating to structure, administration and library service. The standards are described in Public Library Code, 24 C.S. §§ 9301 to 9376 and in Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code Chapters 131-143.

Libraries apply annually for State Aid funds. The Division of Subsidies and Grants staff review applications for compliance with the library standards and to determine level of funding.

In April 2012, the Bureau of Library Development decided to move to Counting Opinions' LibPAS software platform. The Bureau developed a two-year timeline for the project. Criteria for reporting was limited to data required for federal reporting, data to determine compliance with state standards, data supplied to other national or state surveys, and data collected and used in the last two years to respond to requests from the library field and the legislature.

In accordance with the Public Library Code, 24 C.S. §§9301 to 9376 and with Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code, Sections 131 to 143, State Aid is paid to public libraries under seven categories: Quality Libraries Aid, Incentive for Excellence Aid, County Coordination Aid, District Library Center Aid, Statewide Library Resource Center Aid, Equalization Aid, and Equal Distribution Grants.

Projection of State Aid to Public Libraries 2015-2016 @ $53,507,000. Payment Distribution Information: District Center Libraries receive full payment for the Fiscal Year in July/August. Libraries receive full payment in January/February. Distribution in 2013-14: 53,506,999.99. In the period 2006 – 2009, annual appropriation was $75m. 2010, $60m.

The Library Code, passed in 1961, set up a system of local libraries, district library centers and regional resource centers. It provides state money to support this system and to stimulate local funding of public libraries. The Library Code defines what a public library is and how it is governed, including the responsibilities of the library's board.

The Public Library Code, passed November 1, 2012, is a continuation of the act of June 14, 1961, known as The Library Code.

Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code contains the regulations that implement The Library Code. These regulations, which have the force of law, contain the Basic and Minimum Standards, System Standards and District Library Center Standards, the Certification Regulations and others. The Library Code should be read in tandem with the Pennsylvania Code regulations in order to understand the intent of the law and how it is implemented on a local library, system or district level.

I didn’t read the detail, but it appears there are areas for merged or conjoined libraries and partnerships of two or more libraries.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/library_funding/8702/state_aid_to_public_libraries

Rhode Island

Molly Fogerty reports:

Is State Aid Offered?	Yes
What are the requirements?	Municipalities must: Appropriate from local tax revenues an amount not less than the amount appropriated the previous year from local tax revenues and expended for library operating expenses. Submit evidence that free public libraries in the city or town meet standards of service. Submit a plan describing how the public library or libraries plan to address one or more of the priorities established by the Office of Library Information services. The chief of library services may authorize an annual grant or a portion of to a city or town not fully meeting the requirements above.
What is the basic funding formula?	For each city or town, the state’s share to support local public library services shall be equal to at least 25% of both the amount appropriated and expended in the second preceding fiscal year by the city or town from local tax revenues and funds from the public library’s private endowment that supplement the municipal appropriation. The State budget for Fiscal Year 2015 was level funded which resulted in 22.5% apportioned to each municipality rather than the law’s recommended 25% of eligible funds. Example for FY15 State Aid: Barrington, Rhode Island: FY2014 Library Aid: $341,149 FY2013 Appropriation and Expended: $1,501,472 FY2015: Tax Based: $337,844 (22.5%) FY2015: Endowment: $3,644 FY15 Total: $341,488
Must the funds be expended by the end of the FY?	All funds must be expended in the year in which they were awarded.
Special Features:	Those public libraries that do not qualify for aid may apply for resource sharing grants, to be used exclusively for the purpose of payment of the (OSL) Ocean State Libraries annual assessment charges. These grants are awarded to the libraries individually, rather than to the city or town. Eligible libraries must be or become members of the OSL upon receipt of the rant, serve municipalities that meet minimum standards for Rhode Island public libraries and meet standards for member libraries of the library of Rhode Island (LORI) network.
Funding in FY15:	$7,698,411

Rhode Island has a long list of standards and in response to Molly's questions: On 29-6-3.3 there is a reference to: standards of services as set forth in regulations to be made by the chief of library services, Karen Mello, Chief of Library Services at the Office of Library & Information Services at the Rhode Island Department of Administration responded:

These refer to our Minimum Standards & Regulations for RI Public Libraries, recently revised in 2013. Libraries must meet these standards to qualify for state aid, though there is a process for waivers if the library cannot meet the standards. http://www.olis.ri.gov/pubs/plstandards/index.php

Additional Information: Rhode Island:

Set amount based on maintenance of effort by local funding authority (TAMI)

http://www.olis.ri.gov/grants/gia/index.php

Authority:

http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE29/29-6/29-6-2.HTM

South Carolina

Based on maintenance of effort by local funding authority (TAMI)

http://statelibrary.sc.libguides.com/state-aid-sc-public-libraries

Authority:

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/query.php?search=DOC&searchtext=chapter%2075&category=CODEOFREGS&conid=7735594&result_pos=0&keyval=237&numrows=10

Tennessee

Content will be added soon.