Library Board approves FY2026 state aid allotments and grants waiver blocks to multiple systems

The Library of Virginia board unanimously approved blocks of technical and non-technical waivers for a range of public library systems and ratified Fiscal Year 2026 state aid allotments during its June 23 meeting in Richmond.

Kim Armentrout, the Library's State Grants and Data Coordinator, presented technical waivers for systems with lower local expenditures caused by position vacancies, one-time large expenditures, and unique circumstances; the board approved the block motion after a brief discussion. For non-technical waivers, the board approved relief for systems that fell below the requirement of local operating expenditures at 50% of statewide median per capita, as well as waivers for those lacking two-thirds local funding from taxation or endowment. The board also approved waivers for systems missing audits, with a contingency that state aid will be withheld until missing audits or required statistical reports are filed.

The board also approved King William County's application for state aid after the county left the Pamunkey Regional Library System and plans to contract library services to a private company; the board noted King William will be Virginia's 95th public library system. Armentrout told the board the General Assembly approved a $630,000 increase for FY26 to help offset rising costs and included language requiring annual review of the state aid formula.

Board action: motions to approve the technical waiver block (mover: Blythe Ann Scott), approve non-technical waiver blocks (mover: Robert L. Canida II), and the King William County application (mover: Robert L. Canida II) all passed unanimously.