Copyright© 1999 by School Services of California, Inc.
Joint Use Library Construction Bond Act
Likely to be on March Ballot
The State Legislature has adopted and forwarded to the Governor a $350 million Bond Act for construction of public library facilities with the first priority being given to those agencies that have a joint use cooperative agreement with one or more school districts. School Services has long advocated further advancement of joint use in public libraries and is very pleased to see the anticipated signature of the Governor on a long overdue issue.
The legislation (SB 3, Rainey, R-Walnut Creek) would authorize the State Librarian to consider applications for the construction of new library facilities with grants of between $50,000 and $20 million. First priority in the development of the projects would be given to joint use projects in which the library agency has a cooperative agreement with one or more school districts. The second priority for funding would be given to all other library projects.
Grant recipients would be required to provide matching funds, from any available source, in an amount equal to 35% of the project. Matching grants can include land that has been donated in the prior three years, architectural fees for plans and drawings that have been purchased in the prior three years, or cash. "In kind" contributions do not qualify as matching funds. California community colleges are eligible to apply for these grants.
In reviewing applications, the State Librarian must consider needs of urban and rural areas; population growth; age and condition of existing facilities; the degree to which existing library facilities are inadequate; the degree to which the library's plan of service integrates electronic technologies; the degree to which the proposed site is appropriate for the proposed project; and, the financial capabilities of the local agencies to open and maintain operation of new library facilities.
The priority for joint use and the competitive grants for libraries came at the Governor's insistence and it is anticipated that programs could be as ambitious as a new public library on a school campus or as simple as setting aside more hours and more rooms for children.
The Bond Act, which is anticipated to be signed by the Governor, will be on the March 2000 ballot, and it would be only the second statewide library bond since 1972. In 1988, a $75 million bond passed with 53% of the vote.
-- Ken Hall