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State librarian seeks $130,000 deficiency for Deaf Culture Digital Library; agency welcomes per‑capita increases to public library aid
Summary
The Maryland State Library Agency’s FY26 allowance rises about $5.1 million to $109.9 million; the agency requested a $130,000 deficiency for the Deaf Culture Digital Library (DCDL) to cover rising operating costs and specialized personnel needs.
The Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) told the House Appropriations Education and Economic Development Subcommittee its fiscal 2026 budget increases by $5.1 million to $109.9 million, and the agency requested a $130,000 deficiency to sustain the Deaf Culture Digital Library (DCDL).
Natalie Andrade, DLS budget analyst, said the FY26 allowance includes a $3.7 million increase for aid to local library employee fringe benefits, a $1.05 million increase in public library aid and a $209,000 net increase in personnel expenses. Exhibit highlights showed $53,000,000 allocated to public library aid, $27,400,000 to local library employee fringe benefits, and $22,600,000 to the State Library Network.
Andrade asked MSLA to explain the need for additional funds for the DCDL, noting that a $130,000 efficiency appropriation in FY26 would support the deaf culture digital library and that the agency should explain why the initial FY25 appropriation was insufficient and whether the need is ongoing.
Morgan Laird Miller, the newly appointed State Librarian, described the agency’s programs and thanked DLS for the analysis. Miller said state funding supports 24 public library systems and highlighted programs including the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, the State Library Resource Center at Enoch Pratt, and the Young Readers program that connects about 40,000 children under age five with monthly books. On the DCDL, Miller said the program was established in statute in 2014 to provide statewide digital resources about deaf culture, and that usage has grown substantially: “Just since 2022, usage and engagement with that website…has increased by nearly 78%,” she said. Miller said the DCDL had been funded at roughly $235,000 annually but costs have increased and the agency requested a $130,000 deficiency for FY25 to cover operating needs.
DLS recommended concurrence with the governor’s allowance. MSLA officials said they will continue to pursue statutory funding options to secure long‑term support for the DCDL and noted they are working with members of the General Assembly on a bill to provide ongoing funding.
The subcommittee did not take a vote during the presentation.
