HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES2025-116 Accept State Public Library GrantSponsored by: Sorensen
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-116
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE
PUBLIC LIBRARY ASSISTANCE GRANT FROM THE ALASKA
STATE LIBRARY IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,000
WHEREAS, in March 2025 the Alaska State Library sought applications for the FY26
Public Library Assistance (PLA) grant; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of these funds is to purchase books, periodical subscriptions,
media, digital ebooks and audiobooks, and other material to build both the library and digital
library collections; and
WHEREAS, the staff of the Seward Community Library & Museum applied for the PLA
grant to purchase materials and build the library collection for the benefit of the community; and
WHEREAS, grant funds must be matched by the grant awardee and matching funds are
budgeted for in the FY26 budget; and
WHEREAS, in August 2025, the Alaska State Library'presented the Seward Community
Library Museum with an agreement for the Public Library Assistance Grant in the amount of
$7,000 that must be appropriated by June 30, 2026.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to accept the Public
Library Assistance grant from the Alaska State Library in the amount of $7,000.
Section 2. Funding in the amount of $7,000 is hereby appropriated from Alaska State
Library Public Library Assistance Grant revenue account 01000-1500-4252-0001 to library
material account 01000-1500-7201-0001.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska this 17th
day of November 2025.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-116
Page 2 of 2
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Sue McClure, Mayor
AYES: Barnwell, Crites, Osenga, Calhoon, Draper, McClure
NOES: None
ABSENT: Warner
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk
(City Seal)
X
City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: November 17, 2025
To: City Council
Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager
From: Jolanta Ryan, Community Library & Museum Director
Subject: Resolution-116: Authorizing the City Manager to Accept the Public Library
Assistance Grant from the Alaska State Library in the Amount of $7000
Background and justification:
The Seward Community Library & Museum applied for and received the Public Library
Assistance (PLA) grant. The PLA grant requires matching funds, and those funds are included in
the 2026 budget.
The purpose of the grant funds with match is to purchase books, periodical subscriptions, media,
digital ebooks, audiobooks, and other material to build the library and digital library collections.
Libraries are a vital part of the community and having a diverse and current collection is essential
to community engagement. Libraries are safe spaces that promote learning and foster creativity
and personal growth.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan: 2.1 Community Vision and Values
Strategic Plan:
Other:
Total amount of funds listed in this legislation: $ $7,000
This legislation (V):
Creates revenue in the amount of:
Creates expenditure in amount of:
Creates a savings in the amount of:
Has no fiscal impact
Funds are (✓):
Budgeted Line item(s):
Not budgeted
Not applicable
X
$ $7,000
$
$
Affected Fund (✓):
General
Boat Harbor
Motor Pool
Available Fund Balance
X
Yes
SMIC
Parking
Other
Electric
Water
Attorney Signature:
Not applicable Comments:
Wastewater
Healthcare
Note: amounts are unaudited
Finance Director Signature:
Attorney Review
5119414144'
Administration Recommendation
X
Adopt Resolution
Other:
GOVERNOR MIKE DUNLEAVY
August 18, 2025
FY2026 Alaska Public Library Assistance Grants
Dear Alaska Library Colleague,
Department of Education
& Early Development
DIVISION OF LIBRARIES, ARCHIVES & MUSEUMS
395 Whittier Street
P.O. Box 110571
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0571
Main: 907.465.4837
Fax: 907.465.2151
The Alaska State Libraries, Archives and Museums is pleased to offer your library a FY2026
Alaska Public Library Assistance Grant Award. We recognize the many challenges this year has
brought, from construction needs and staffing shortages to uncertainty at the federal level
impacting library operations and services. While this award cannot solve the current financial
landscape, we hope it helps to alleviate some of the funding pressure at your library and allows
you to focus on what you do best, providing unparalleled access to information and educational
resources to patrons. Thank you for your continued commitment and exceptional efforts in
supporting your library, community, and Alaska.
From all of us at LAM,
Amy Phillips -Chan, PhD
Director, Alaska State Libraries, Archives & Museums
Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building
Mail: PO Box 110571, Juneau, AK 99811
Visit: 395 Whittier St., Juneau, AK 99801
Office Phone: 907.465.8718
Cell Phone: 907.419.4283
GOVERNOR MIKE DUNLEAVY
August 19, 2025
Department of Education
& Early Development
DIVISION OF LIBRARY, ARCHIVES & MUSEUMS
P.O. Box 110571
Juneau. Alaska 9981 1-0571
Main: 907..465.4837
Fax: 907..465.2151
The Public Library Assistance (PLA) grant for FY26 for Seward Community Library & Museum will be $7000. We are
pleased your library is eligible to receive this annual operating grant so that you can provide the best possible service to
your library patrons.
In order to receive your grant money, please return the attached grant agreement within forty-five days of
this award letter. Two different people (the librarian and the appropriate legal authority) must sign the grant
agreement, since it is a legal document committing your library to certain obligations in return for receiving the public
library assistance grant. Once we have your agreement, we will be able to electronically deposit your grant award (or mail
a paper check in specific instances).
Librarians and officials should carefully note and follow the regulations governing the administration of this grant. To
remain eligible for future grants, I have highlighted some off the most important grant requirements:
• Meet the four statutory requirements:
o Maintain a Collection for Lending
o Provide Interlibrary Loan
o Provide Reference
o Offer Children's Programming
• Submit the online Alaska Public Library Report for this fiscal year grant by September 1, 2026.
• Spend at $3500 on library materials and online services.
• Be open 48 weeks and the appropriate number of hours for your population and type of library (weeks closed
because of natural disasters will be waived).
• Attend at least 6 hours of continuing education (CE) during the current two-year cycle (7/1/2025-6/30/2027).
Please note that in addition to the above requirements, non-profit and school/public libraries have additional
requirements. Non-profit organizations must have at least quarterly (4) public board meetings and submit minutes to
eed.library.grants@alaska.gov. School libraries must execute and keep in force a binding legal agreement
between the school district and the public library governing body. The governing body of the public library may be the
municipal assembly, an advisory board appointed by the municipal assembly, or the board of directors of a non-profit
corporation.
The State Library audits the records of selected libraries at the end of the grant year and reclaims any grant funds not
properly accounted for. Also, any portion of this grant money not spent or encumbered by June 30, 2026, should be
returned to the State Library. You may request a brief extension to spend unused FY2026 grant funds.
Please return your signed agreements to Kate Enge at eed.library.grants@alaska.gov. Questions should be directed to
Kate at 907-465-2271 or the email above. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Kate Enge
Grants and Continuing Education Librarian
Alaska State Library
Alaska Public Library Assistance Grant Agreement FY2026
This agreement made and entered into on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, by and between the Alaska State Library, hereafter referred to as the Grantor;
and the Seward Community Library & Museum, hereafter referred to as the Grantee.
Whereas, the State of Alaska has appropriated funds for public library assistance; and whereas, the application of the Grantee for a grant for public
library assistance has been approved. NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained the parties hereto agree
as follows:
The Grantor will agree to:
1. Furnish funds in the amount of $7000(dispersed after the agreement is received).
2. Provide advisory services in furtherance of the grant project.
3. Acknowledge the Grantee's eligibility for additional grants and services.
The Grantee will agree to:
Provide at least the following services free to residents of the municipality or community:
• Establish and maintain a collection of books and other materials for loan;
• Provide access to interlibrary loans;
• Provide reference information; and
• Provide programming for children.
Abide by the conditions set forth in its application, guidelines, and approved by the Grantor, including:
• Expend at least $3500 on library materials and online services for each outlet.
• The number and timing of open hours;
• The existing and ongoing educational requirements for the library director.
• Have trained paid or volunteer staff on duty in the library during the scheduled open hours.
Maintain accurate financial records for auditing purposes.
• Return any grant funds unexpended or unencumbered by June 30, 2026, and all funds for which there is no proper accounting.
• Receive prior approval from the Grantor for any line item change that exceeds 10% of the line item, except that no prior approval is
required for: Line item changes of less than $100; or line item changes that add funds to library materials and online services.
• Expend local funds of at least $7000 for project purposes. Repay any portion of grant funds that have not actually been matched by
local funds over the course of the grant period. Local fund match can include volunteer service as described in the Guidelines.
• Expended funds must be clearly attributable to public library (not school) services and operations.
Uphold specific governance requirements
• Non -profits will maintain "Good Standing" with the State and submit minutes of required quarterly public board meetings to the Grantor.
• School/public libraries will have an agreement between the school district and the public library governing body.
Submit reports, certifications, and contact information such as:
• The online Public Library Annual Report (PLAR) by September 1, 2026.
• The follow-up signed certification for the PLAR
• Any changes in director or library contact information within 30 days.
Funding for this grant is dependent on the following source:
Library GF
PLA26-Sewar $7,000
By accepting this award or agreement, the grantee may become subject to the audit requirements of State of Alaska Administrative code 2 AAC
45.010. As a result, the grantee may be required to provide for an audit and to permit independent auditors to have access to their records and
financial statements. The grantee should consult with an independent auditor for assistance in determining audit requirements for each fiscal year.
The undersigned understands and agrees to the conditions of this agreement. Both signatures are required.
For the Library
Sign t'ure
Library and Museum Director 8/20/25
Title Date
For the Legal Entity
Signature' v /
Finance director
Title
08/20/2025
Date
MAIL TO: Grants Coordinator Alaska State Library,
P.O. Box 110571, Juneau, AK 99801, SCAN TO eed.library.grants@alaska.gov, or FAX to 907-465-2151