Sectional Analysis for SB 148

"An Act relating to libraries."

Section 1: Amends existing grant fund to include "regional library services".

Section 2: (a) Amends the eligibility section of the existing grant fund by listing certain requirements for public libraries; requirements are:

1. must be established under new section in this bill (section 6); or if in a municipality without a public library established under the section , a library that:

1. is a nonprofit and holds public meetings
2. provides services listed in new section 6
3. the municipality passes a resolution supporting the grant

2. must share resources free of charge to other libraries in the state (interlibrary); and
3. libraries which provide regional library services.

(b) Language stating that only one library per city or community is eligible for a grant during a fiscal year under previous (a)(1) above. Language stating library described in (a)2 above is eligible for interlibrary assistance grant. Language stating library described in (a)(3) above is eligible for regional assistance grant.

Section 3: Amends current language:

• revises the grant distribution to reflect a basic grant of not less than $5,000 or more than $7,000 and that there must be an equal local match of funds or in-kind services;
• new language stating that the value of in-kind services shall be determined by the division director;
• new language providing for prorated funds if appropriation is not sufficient to fully fund the basic need;
• new language providing for per capita distribution of funds if in excess of the basic grant;

Section 4: Amendment to regulations section, language directing that they must include grant eligibility qualifications and provisions for use of grant funds.

Section 5: New section regarding public library boards; establishment, membership, vacancies, officers, and authority.

Section 6: New section regarding public libraries; establishment, service provision requirements, and reporting requirements.

Section 7: Repealing section for Rural Community Libraries (AS 14.56.200; 14.56.210; 14.56.220, 14.56.230, 14.56.240) and Public Library Construction Grants (AS 14.56.350).

SA: SB 148: S(HES) 4/2/97: mj