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State Aid to Libraries Grant Agreement With Department of State for FY 2025-26 Funding
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
The State of Florida provides funding opportunities through the State Aid to Libraries Grant Program each year. The purpose of the program is to encourage local governments to establish and continue development of free library service to all Florida residents. Funds can be used for the operation and maintenance of a library. Receipt of funds requires compliance with program guidelines and to provide the following approved documents, duly signed and authorized: State Aid to Libraries Grant Agreement, Certification of Hours, Certification of Local Operating Expenditures, and an approved Annual Plan of Service.
Under Chapter 257, Florida Statutes and Laws of Florida, Chapters 92-294, the Hernando County Public Library System is eligible to receive State grant funds to support county-wide library services in Hernando County. Grant funding preliminary estimates for fiscal year 2026 is $476,418. This grant will provide funding toward the operation and maintenance expenses for the Library System. To be eligible for funds, the application must be completed and submitted online to the Florida Department of State (DOS), Division of Library and Information Services, through the Florida DOS Grants System, and must include the documents as cited above.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Upon final award, notifications as released by the State, a budget resolution will be provided to the Board for the approval to allocate the funds. Revenue in the estimated amount of $476,418 is anticipated to be received during fiscal year 2026.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has the authority to act upon this matter pursuant to Section 125.01(1), Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the Board approve and authorize the Chairman’s signature on the attached State Aid to Libraries Grant Agreement, Certification of Hours, and Certification of Operating Expenditures. It is further recommended that the Board approve the Annual Plan of Service 2025-2026, and authorize staff to electronically submit the required application and documents to the State.
Approval to proceed will enable the Hernando County Public Library System to receive its share of State Aid to Libraries Grant Funds in fiscal year 2025-2026 and be compliant with State Aid to Libraries Grant Program requirements.