Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Libraries Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears testimony supporting extension of state library funding through 2032 (HB 15-92)
Summary
HB 15-92 would extend the state share of funding for public library systems through 2032 at specified per-capita rates; the state librarian and regional and county library directors told the Appropriations Committee rising operating costs and digital resource prices make the extension critical to maintain services, especially in rural counties.
Chair Barnes presented HB 15-92, which would extend state funding shares for public and regional library systems through 2032 at per-capita rates (3% per capita for regional systems and 3.21% per capita for local systems as described by the sponsor).
Morgan Miller, the state librarian, told the committee that libraries remain heavily used and rely on state funding to cover operating costs. “They do rely on state funding to meet their operating costs, 18% for county systems and 22% for regional systems,” Miller said, noting operating costs have risen roughly 40% over the past decade and that staff costs, e-books and broadband are significant budget drivers.
Elizabeth Hewlett, director of the Western Maryland Regional Library and president of the Maryland Association of Public Library Administrators, emphasized the importance of regional libraries to rural counties and said digital checkouts comprised 57% of circulation in the last fiscal year. Seth Hershberger, a county library director, said the bill would ensure reliable state support that complements local investment and helps maintain equitable access.
Committee members asked about the Senate’s status and coordination; the sponsor and state librarian said they would coordinate across committees. The hearing closed with thanks to witnesses; no recorded vote appears in the transcript.
The committee will consider the bill as part of broader budget planning for libraries and outreach to the Senate sponsor.
