Item Coversheet
      

5919 MAIN STREET .  NEW PORT RICHEY, FL 34652 . 727.853.1016


TO:City of New Port Richey City Council
FROM:Andrea Figart, New Port Richey Public Library Director
DATE:2/21/2023
RE:Request for Approval of Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) "From Room to Zoom: Tech and AV Transformations" Grant Agreement. Project Number 22-LSTA-A-B-06

REQUEST:

The City Council is asked to review and approve the Library Services and Technology Award (LSTA) Grant: 22-LSTA-B-06 for the project "From Room to Zoom: Tech and AV Transformations" in the amount of $68,701 and the corresponding budget amendment.

 

This Agreement is by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services and will be used to add technology and audio-visual equipment to three (3) Community Meeting Rooms.



DISCUSSION
:

In April 2022, The City's Public Library applied for this competitive grant that would allow funding for the installation of state-of-the-art Audio Visual systems, security cameras, and technologies in the three community meeting rooms.  The addition of this equipment will make it possible for large groups and those with different abilities, such as visual and hearing impairments, to participate more fully and have greater access to library offerings. 

All tasks associated with this project will be performed by September 30, 2023.

 

The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) is the only federal program exclusively for libraries. It is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). LSTA consolidates federal library programs while expanding services for learning and access to information resources in all types of libraries for individuals of all ages.  State libraries use the funds to support statewide initiatives and also distribute the funds through subgrants or cooperative agreements to public, school, academic, research, and special libraries. There is a requirement for a state match, which helps stimulate approximately three to four dollars for every federal dollar invested. 

In this specific instance, Federal funds are provided through the Library Services and Technology Act under Florida’s long-range plan approved by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. State of Florida authority for this grant has been appropriated in the FY 2022-2023 General Appropriations Act on line 3095. The Division, as administrator of federal funds in accordance with Section 257.12, Florida Statutes, has the authority to administer this grant.

 



RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended  that City Council approve the Library to enter into an agreement with the Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services and corresponding budget amendment.

BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT:

One of the conditions of receiving an award more than $10,000, is that projects must provide local matching funds that equal a minimum of one-third (1/3) of the amount of federal grant funds awarded.   In the case of this award, the minimum amount would be $22,900 which will be met by staff time and already budgeted Library operational funds.
ATTACHMENTS:
DescriptionType
LSTA Grant 22-LT-B-06: From Room to Zoom: Tech and AV TransformationsBackup Material
Budget Amendment and SupportBackup Material