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Gainesville librarian asks for $2,100 increase, diaper changing stations and new water fountain; notes grants and e‑rate changes
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Summary
Gainesville Public Library Director Jennifer Neely requested a $2,100 operating increase for books, mileage and part‑time raises, asked for two KoalaCare changing stations and a bottle‑filler water fountain, and explained recent grants and possible e‑rate changes for internet and hotspot costs.
Gainesville Public Library Director Jennifer (Neely) told the commissioners court on June 25 she is requesting a modest $2,100 increase in the library’s regular budget to cover a $100 mileage increase, $1,000 for books and a $1,000 boost for part‑time staff pay; she also sought facility improvements including two diaper changing stations and a bottle‑filler water fountain.
Neely said the diaper changing stations (KoalaCare) would cost about $569 plus shipping and the water fountain system is quoted at about $1,537 plus roughly $400 installation. “It would be a regular water fountain and then a bottle filler fountain,” she told the court, noting patrons use the library for studying and bring bottles that need easy filling.
On technology and grants, the director said library poll‑book‑style barcode scanners need replacement (three units quoted at $2,085) and that the library recently learned it had enough certified poll book equipment so it did not apply for a particular grant targeted at counties needing device replacement. She also said the library had won recent grants — a Texas Book Festival grant and an H‑E‑B grant — with funds earmarked for the summer reading program and special projects.
Neely discussed e‑rate and federal funding: she said upcoming federal changes could increase the library’s Internet subsidy (reducing monthly costs) and lower hotspot fees if approved, but she cautioned that such changes are subject to the state and federal budget timing. She asked commissioners to note that some Internet subsidy receipts that have been budgeted in grant fund 41 should be moved to the general fund for correct accounting of monthly Internet payments.
Neely said circulation and usage metrics were strong — she reported more active patrons than the prior year and large year‑to‑date checkout totals — and asked the court to consider the small operating increase and the identified facility and equipment items as part of FY2026 planning.
