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Seldovia Public Library seeks formal MOU and contingency funding after state grant scare
Summary
The Seldovia Public Library told the city council the state Public Library Assistance grant was briefly cut from $7,000 to about $1,800 but was later restored; the library says city in‑kind support (space/utilities valued at about $13,000) and volunteer labor (valued at about $75,000) comprise most operating support and requested a memorandum of understanding and possible discretionary funding.
The director of the Seldovia Public Library asked the City Council on April 28, 2025, to formalize the library’s relationship with the city and consider contingency funding after a recent state grant funding scare.
"Again, my name is Cindy Maum, and I'm the director of Seldovia Public Library," Cindy told the council, noting the library is an independent 501(c)(3) founded in 1935 and largely volunteer‑run. She said the city’s in‑kind contribution—use of space, utilities, and upkeep—has a value of "almost $13,000 annual value," and volunteer hours contribute roughly $75,000 in value that covers most operating needs.
Maum described a recent reduction in the state Public Library Assistance (PLA) payment that initially dropped a longstanding $7,000 award to about $1,800 before the funding was restored. She said the PLA money is used to refresh the collection and cover supplies, internet service and bookkeeping. "That grant was maybe a wake up call for us that it might not be around up forever," Maum said, and she asked the council to consider options should state funding decline.
Her specific requests included: (1) confirmation the library’s long‑standing right to occupy the current space (a memorandum of understanding or similar formal agreement), (2) the city earmark discretionary funds to replace PLA support if necessary (approximately $7,000 annually), and (3) consideration of a competitive hourly stipend for a professional director (Maum estimated $45 per hour for 14 hours per week, roughly $32,760 per year, as a long‑term staffing model).
Council members expressed appreciation for the report and said they will consider a memorandum of understanding and budget prioritization during the May budget work session. One councilor urged preparing a written memorandum so council and staff have a clear record of the in‑kind arrangement.
What happens next: Councilors asked staff to draft a memorandum of understanding and to consider budget options when discussing FY26 priorities. The library will continue operations and explore philanthropic or fundraising options in addition to city support.
