How to resolve AdBlock issue? Those concerns are of particular interest during California Library Week, April 6 though 12.
On Monday, acting Gov. Eleni Kounalakis issued a proclamation declaring California Library Week, as Lake County News has reported.
However, on the local level at least, there is reason for hope that the libraries will not be seriously impacted as a result of the actions taken by the federal government.
Last week, the California State Library said it had been notified by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services that, effective April 1, the 2024-25 federal grant awarded under the Library Services and Technology Act has been terminated.
Officials reported that the State Library received $15,705,702 in funding to assist local California libraries provide programs and services, as well as supporting the services provided by the State Library to state government, policymakers and the public — with more than 21 percent of that funding not having been sent to California yet.
In addition, national news reports have stated that the Institute of Museum and Library Services, or IMLS, has put its entire staff on administrative leave.
Regarding the possible impacts of these developments on the local level, Lake County News reached out to Christopher Veach, Lake County’s librarian since 2013.
Veach had some reassuring news for those concerned about the Lake County Library.
“Right now we weren't slated to receive any grants directly from the IMLS in the next budget year. The library is primarily funded by a dedicated local property tax, as well as a contribution from the County general fund. Most of our grant funded programs, such as the Adult Literacy Program, are funded by the California State Library with state dollars,” Veach said in an email.
“In the next budget year the only federal funds I'm anticipating receiving are from the E-Rate program through the Federal Communications Commission. This provides reimbursement for the cost of our broadband internet,” Veach said.
Veach added, “While I don't anticipate immediate or direct impacts, federal funding is important for libraries in general.”
In the past, Veach said the Lake County Library has received federal funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to start its hotspot lending program and our Books by Mail program, both of which are now funded with local dollars.
“Federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act during the Biden Presidency helped purchase the Bookmobile, alongside a grant from the State,” Veach said.
He said the Institute of Museum and Library Services budget “is a very small fraction of the federal budget, but it provides funding for State Library agencies who then fund local library programs.”
Regarding how the Lake County Library is funded, Veach said that use of dedicated property tax dates back to the founding of the County Library system in 1974 and has been in place for a long time.
“My strategy has always been to supplement that funding as efficiently as possible, often by pursuing local opportunities within the county or grants from the California State Library. My goal has been to boost our reserves to help mitigate economic uncertainty while still providing the maximum amount of relevant service to our community,” Veach said.
As to who the system serves, Veach said the 2022–23 statistical report to the State Library showed that the Lake County LIbrary has 27,524 registered users.
“We strive to serve the entire county, which is reflected in our programs and services,” Veach said. “This includes Storytime for young children and families, events like Wild Thing and ongoing Dungeons & Dragons groups for older children and teens, and interest-based clubs like the Cookbook Club and crafting groups for adults. Our Adult Literacy program, now including an English as a Second Language component, supports those with low literacy.”
Guided by the Collection Development Policy, Veach said he aims “to build a diverse collection that reflects our community and offers something for everyone — picture books, fiction, Spanish-language materials, ebooks, large print, and audiobooks.”
Veach said circulation trends show the county library’s collection is used by both younger and older patrons with a wide range of interests.
“We also see checkouts from every zip code in the County, and our bookmobile is visiting areas that are furthest from our established library branches,” said Veach.
Visit the Lake County Library at https://www.lakecountyca.gov/597/Library.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
