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City librarian updates board on state and federal funding, staffing and spring programs
Summary
City librarian Namenda Sufi briefed the board on proposed state funding restorations for the California Library Services Act, potential federal changes affecting IMLS, a $75,000 grant application for early-childhood programming, staffing hires and summer-hours plans.
Roseville’s city librarian reported to the Library Board on March 24 about state and federal funding discussions, local grant activity, staffing updates and upcoming cultural programs.
Namenda Sufi, the city librarian, summarized the status of California Library Services Act (CLSA) funding and related advocacy. Sufi said CLSA funding was reduced by roughly 50% in the prior budget cycle to $1,880,000 and that the California Library Association (CLA) is seeking restoration and an augmentation request that, if approved, would increase total CLSA funding to about $5,000,000. Sufi said those discussions were ongoing and that the outcome remained uncertain.
Sufi also reported on a March 14 executive order affecting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS); she said the order directed certain agencies to reduce non-statutory functions and that libraries are awaiting clarity on what that may mean for federal grant programs. Sufi said the Roseville libraries currently have no active IMLS-funded programs but have applied, in partnership with Friends of the Library, for a $75,000 grant to enhance programs for children ages 0–5.
On collections, Sufi said a recurring five-year request for proposals (RFP) for library materials closed in February; the recommended contract will go to the City Council for approval on May 7 and new contracts would start on July 1, she said. She also told the board that two full-time library assistant positions have accepted offers and are completing fingerprinting and background checks.
Sufi said the Downtown Library will extend Sunday hours to 12–8 p.m. and keep later evening hours during July and August; seasonal hires will provide coverage for the expanded summer schedule. She outlined several Friends of the Library events planned for spring and a museum exhibition at the Maidu Museum opening this spring and running through Sept. 14.
Board members asked about advocacy steps for state and federal funding; Sufi said she would share links and resources from the California Library Association and other associations that board members could use to contact representatives about library funding.
