Discussion and possible action to: (a) accept State Grants-In-Aid funding in the amount of $8,615 from the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records for support of the Peoria Public Library System’s materials collection, and (b) authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $8,615 from the Proposed Grant Contingency account to the Library Services and Technology Grant account.

In 1981, the Arizona Legislature developed the State Grants-In-Aid (SGIA) program to help Arizona libraries meet the information needs of Arizona residents. Annual awards go to county and municipal libraries serving populations of 100,000 or more.  

The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records administers the SGIA program, and has recently awarded the Peoria Public Library an $8,615 grant for Fiscal Year 2021. The library will utilize this funding to purchase leisure and lifelong learning materials in support of our community’s reading and learning interests. During this challenging time of the pandemic, our patrons have been interested in adding to their skill sets. We are excited to support them by increasing their exposure to new trends and ideas in reading and viewing topical areas, such as do-it-yourself textile projects, animals, cookery, as well as popular and classic films. 

There has been no previous action on this item. However, this is the sixth SGIA grant in the last six years in which the library has garnered funding. Previous years’ spending was on library materials; however, last year’s funds were used exclusively for staff training. This year, we will again be purchasing library materials.

A: City Council can accept the approved grant and approve the associated budget amendment.

B: City Council can choose not to accept the approved grant and the associated budget amendment.

Staff recommends that Council: a) accept the SGIA funding; and b) approve a budget transfer of $8,615 from the Proposed Grant Contingency Account.

Staff requests a budget amendment of $8,615 from the Proposed Grant Contingency Account (7990-7990-570000) to the Library Services and Technology Grant Account (7280-7350-530002). Staff also requests authorization to use the funds as recommended.