Non-Recurring SFRF Aid to Public Libraries

In 2021 the North Carolina General Assembly allocated $10 million of the American Rescue Plan State Fiscal Recovery Funds (SFRF) from the U.S. Department of the Treasury that had come to North Carolina to be distributed to public libraries that qualify for State Aid to Public Libraries.

These funds are being distributed to public libraries through the State Library of North Carolina in 2022-23 fiscal year. Funds are being distributed in one lump sum allotment. These funds do not revert back to the state at the end of the 2022-23 fiscal year. All funds, however, have to be obligated by December 31, 2024, and spent by December 31, 2026 or may revert back to the State or U.S. Treasury.

Once funds are distributed quarterly and annual reports are due to the State Library of North Carolina. Quarterly reports will be due in January, April, July, and October. For those libraries receiving funds in September 2022, the first report will be due on January 16, 2023 for an extended September - December period. Remaining reports will cover 3 month periods. January - March will be due on April 17, 2023, April - June will be due on July 17, 2023, July - September will be due on October 16, 2023, October - December 2023 will be due on January 15, 2024.

Link for the quarterly report form: https://nc.countingopinions.com [Login credentials will be sent to library directors.]

Once logged in, click on the third tab from the left, "Non-recurring SFRF State Aid." Users may log in to the form and save their work without submitting it. As such, the report may be completed in multiple sessions and with information entered by multiple people, as needed.

How can the funds be used?

Below is a list of what is interpreted to be allowable and non-allowable uses for funds to libraries based on the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds’ Non-Recurring State Aid to Libraries grant, based on the readings of federal and state guidelines and regulations. This list is not comprehensive but is intended to provide a general guideline.

Allowable: Non-recurring SFRF Aid Non-allowable: Non-recurring SFRF Aid
  • Collections: books, periodicals, newspapers, maps, films, AV, online databases, e-books, software
  • Carpet/ceiling/floor repair or replacement
  • Bookmobiles, library courier vehicles, book bikes
  • Materials – book carts, shelving, end caps, decorations, programming fees and support materials for programming
  • Furniture
  • Modernization of cybersecurity, including hardware, software, and protection of critical infrastructure
  • Security staff salaries (not to exceed $25,000 per individual in SFRF funds) and security systems
  • Self-check outs or other methods of check out
  • Physically Handicapped materials and equipment (including automatic doors, accessibility ramps, etc.)
  • Landscape design projects, especially if for outdoor programming
  • Outdoor or indoor safety features to ensure visitor and staff safety
  • Painting (interior or exterior)
  • Parking lot re-pavement, as long as it is pay-go (cash in hand not loan or repayment of debt/loan)
  • Salaries and bonuses for any staff, including security staff (not to exceed $25,000 per individual in SFRF funds). Benefits and associated payroll taxes (FICA) are also allowable uses of these funds.
  • Consultants concerning library operations, services, or related endeavors
  • Roof replacement, sidewalk improvements
  • Building improvement projects, renovations, adding/modifying entrances (cash in hand not loan or repayment of debt/loan)
  • Technology: equipment, wifi expansion, technology to lend out, maker spaces, sound system for programming/security, etc.
  • Environmental remediation (mold or asbestos remediation, installation of dehumidifiers, upgrades to HVAC for environmental controls)
  • Health services: Including staff or contracts for mental health and telehealth services/programming, fitness/wellness programming, or cooking programming, community garden
  • Continuing education or training for staff, workshop costs, travel costs, etc.
  • Financial audit
  • Migration to new software system to support library operations
  • Costs paid by the library as a sponsor or host of a conference/event/program such as rental of facilities, speakers' fees, interpreter fees, and other items incidental to such conferences/events/programs.
  • Repayment of loans
  • Directly or indirectly offset a reduction in taxes
  • Pay for debt service
  • Replenish financial reserves
  • Placed in savings or an endowment to be obligated after December 2024 and spent after December 2026.
  • Pension Plans or pension plan fees
  • Satisfy an obligation arising from a judicial settlement or judgement
  • Undermine practices included in the CDC’s guidelines and recommendations for stopping the spread of COVID-19

 

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