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Corona library outlines FY26 budget, highlights Measure X and donor support
Summary
Library staff told the board the FY26 library budget relies on Measure X sales-tax revenues, a $95,000 Friends donation and several grants and capital projects including elevator and HVAC work.
The Corona Public Library Board of Trustees reviewed the library's fiscal-year 2026 budget at its September meeting, with staff outlining Measure X allocations, donor gifts and pending grants and capital projects.
Library management said the library general fund budget covers core programs and collection management, while Measure X sales-tax revenue and outside grants fund e-media and capital needs. Management Analyst I Catherine Back presented budget details on behalf of the library.
"Our Measure X funds are providing $528,381 to the library this year," Management Analyst I Catherine Back said, summarizing the dedicated local funding source approved by voters in November 2020. Back said Measure X pays for personnel (three librarians, one office assistant and two library assistants), e-media databases previously funded by developer impact fees, new self-check machines and collection-management software.
The board heard line-item figures: collection management at $1,262,141; literacy and community engagement at $641,152; e-media database support of $125,000; new self-check machines at $48,190; and collection-development software at $13,574. Back also reported $528,381 in Measure X funding and $18,834 available from developer impact fees.
Friends of the Corona Public Library have pledged $95,000 for FY26, Back said, with the donation earmarked for several items: $25,000 for summer program supplies, $47,000 for children's and teen-area signage, $8,000 for a new stage for the Francis Aldama Room and $15,000 for Hoopla e-media content.
Capital projects noted include elevator and HVAC work, each described as projects "over $300,000." Back said the library received an English-as-a-second-language (ESL) grant of $93,380 for FY26 and has requested a $74,970.97 adult and family literacy grant pending approval. A Building Forward grant for security cameras was described as being prepared for bid; Back gave the budget line as $216,009.92. A Zip Books grant for 02/26 totaling $15,840 was also reported.
Board members asked clarifying questions about the relationship between Hoopla and Zip Books. Back explained that Hoopla is one of the library's digital platforms, while the Zip Books Palace Project expansion will allow patrons to request e-books and audiobooks through a separate California State Library platform. Trustee Liddell and Vice Chair Cherise Leonard both commented positively on the variety of services supported by the budget.
The budget presentation did not include a formal action to adopt the full city budget at this meeting; the board received the report and discussed priorities and grant timelines. Staff noted developer impact fees fluctuate with local development and that several capital items are contingent on formal procurement and grant awards.
Members of the public did not submit speaker cards or written comments during the budget portion of the meeting.
Ending
Staff said they will continue to monitor grant approvals and provide updates to the trustees; the board will next receive a library budget update at a future meeting or as required by the city's budget calendar.
