Florida Department of State

Description
Encourages local governments to establish and continue development of free library service to all residents of Florida. Categories are as follows:

Equalization Grant

Available for counties that qualify for Operating grants and have limited local tax resources.

Multicounty Grant

Available to the single library administrative unit of the multicounty library that qualifies for Operating Grants and serves a population of 50,000 or more and serves two or more counties, at least one of which qualifies for an Equalization grant.

Operating Grant

Provides a match of up to 25 cents on local funds expended for the operation and maintenance of the library.

Eligibility
Any political subdivision that has been designated by a county or municipality as the single library administrative unit is eligible to receive funds.  The service program must be administered by a librarian who has completed an accredited library education program and two subsequent years of full-time paid professional experience.  The library must also be open at least 40 hours per week, and provide free library service to all residents that are taxed for service.

Award
Amounts are determined by statutory formulas applied to total annual appropriation.

Deadline
Applications due by October 1, 2011; reports and other documents due by
December 1, 2011.

Contact
Marian Deeney, mdeeney@dos.state.fl.us

Description
Provides funds to construct new public library facilities, or to remodel or expand existing public library facilities. The minimum project size is 3,000 square feet.

Eligibility
Any of the 67 county governments, incorporated municipalities, special districts, and special tax districts that establish or maintain a public library and provide free public library service.

Award
Maximum of $500,000; requires a 1:1 dollar match. Libraries in REDI counties or communities may request a complete waiver of grant match requirements.

Deadline
April 1, 2012.

Contact
Marian Deeney, mdeeney@dos.state.fl.us

Description
State funding to multitype library cooperatives for the continuing maintenance of the statewide database of library materials. Maintenance of this database involves bibliographic enhancement and related training for all Florida Library Information Network member libraries within each multitype library cooperative's geographic service area.

Eligibility
Multitype library cooperatives

Award
Up to $400,000; requires a 10% cash match of local funds.

Deadline
April 15, 2012.

Contact
Dolly Frank, dafrank@dos.state.fl.us

Description
State-based program with a broad mandate to use technology to bring information to people in innovative and effective ways, and to assure accessibility of library services to all residents. Focuses on information access through technology and information empowerment through special services.  This program consists of two categories:

Access for Persons Having Difficulty Using Libraries

Projects in this grant category target library and information services to persons who have difficulty using a library and who are underserved in urban and rural communities.  Examples of persons who have difficulty using a library are persons with disabilities, adults and families with literacy needs, persons who are economically disadvantaged, children, young adults, older adults, homeless and persons from other cultures. In designing projects, applicants are encouraged to explore innovative and creative ways to deliver services to their identified population; and when applicable, to establish and nurture partnerships and use technology in meeting the needs of users.

Library Technology Connectivity and Services

Purposes are to establish or enhance electronic links between libraries; link libraries electronically with education, social or informational services; assist libraries in accessing information through electronic networks; encourage all types of libraries to participate in consortia and share resources; and to help libraries acquire and share computer systems and telecommunications technologies.  Grants are provided to assist libraries with technical infrastructure; information content and services; training support; telecommunications infrastructure; bibliographic enhancement; collaborative development of library intranets, imaging projects and creation and sharing of web-based information; collaborative development among groups of libraries; and library automation.

Eligibility
Florida libraries and not-for-profit organizations primarily related to the provision or support of library services. Entities include public libraries, public elementary school or secondary school libraries, academic libraries, multi-type library cooperatives, and special libraries. The service program must be administered by a librarian who has completed an accredited library education program and the library must agree to make resources available to public either on site or by participating in the Florida Library Information Network.

Award
Varies. Requires matching of a minimum of 1/3 of funds requested or awarded. The matching requirement may be waived upon request for governments in counties and communities with rural status as defined in s. 288.0656(2) (b) F.S. and subject to the provisions of s. 288.06561 F.S. (the Rural Economic Development Initiative).

Deadline
March 15, 2012 for the period October 1, 2012 - September 30, 2013.

Contact
Dolly Frank, dafrank@dos.state.fl.us

Description
The purpose of the program is to assist small, rural public libraries to improve library collections and services, improve adult and family literacy, and develop economic viability in targeted counties and communities.

Eligibility
Libraries must be in counties or communities that have REDI designation in order to apply for this program. Only those public libraries in counties and communities with rural status as defined in s. 288.0656(2)(b) Florida Statutes and subject to the provisions of s. 288.06561 Florida Statutes are eligible to apply.

Award
$3,000 to $10,000 per county or community. No local match is required.

Deadline
To Be Determined.

Contact
Dolly Frank, dafrank@dos.state.fl.us