Subject:
Title
Resolution authorizing the submittal of a Public Library Construction grant application to the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, for the East Lake Community Library expansion project.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of a resolution authorizing the submittal of a Public Library Construction grant application to the Florida Department of State (DOS), Division of Library and Information Services, for the East Lake Community Library expansion project.
It is further recommended that the Board delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute the Florida Department of State construction grant application for the East Lake Community Library (ELCL) expansion project and any necessary certifications.
• The ELCL is requesting $500,000.00 in grant funding from the DOS for the ELCL expansion project.
• Funding request will provide the ELCL with an increase of total square footage to approximately 15,000 square feet.
• The required one-to-one of match of $500,000.00 is in the Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Improvement Program budget.
• The grant application deadline for submittal is October 10, 2025.
• The East Lake Community Library is not requesting additional funding from the County.
• Funding for this project is budgeted in the Capital Improvement Plan under the East Lake Library Expansion Phase II Project 004559A, funded by the Penny for Pinellas.
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Strategic Priorities:
Resilient Infrastructure and Environment
1.2 Maintain and enhance County infrastructure.
Prosperity and Opportunity
3.4 Enhance educational and cultural opportunities.
3.5 Foster business growth.
Smart Service Delivery
4.2 Achieve and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
4.4 Pursue continuous improvement.
Summary:
Summary
Should the grant application be successful, it will enable the reallocation of funds toward the renovation of the building’s interior space following the expansion.
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Background Information:
In April 1997, the Board approved the purchase of nine (9) acres of land for a library to serve unincorporated area residents in the East Lake community. The ELCL opened for service on November 1, 1999. The 4,500-square-foot library immediately became an important element of the East Lake community. The ELCL staff has maintained a master plan to adapt interior space utilization and expansion of the building to meet the evolving needs of the population it serves.
In 2011, a building addition of 1,900 square feet was constructed. However, the building footprint size remains below the recommended minimum Florida State Library Standard for Public Libraries: 0.6 square foot per capita.
The combined total project funding of $7M will increase the total square footage to approx. 15,000 square feet. The additional grant request of $500,000 will support the expansion of the library, helping to provide more meeting space, expanding areas for collections, and additional workspace for staff-all of which will enhance the ability to serve the community more effectively.
As the legal owner of the ELCL building, the County must be the applicant and recipient for the DOS Public Library Construction Grant.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding for this project is budgeted in the Capital Improvement Plan under the East Lake Library Expansion Phase II Project 004559A, funded by the Penny for Pinellas.
Staff Member Responsible:
Auria Oliver, Manager, Grants Administration, Office of Management & Budget
Partners:
Palm Harbor Community Services Agency
East Lake Community Library
Attachments:
Resolution 25-XX
Narrative of Construction Project
Written Building Program
PHCSA Letter of Approval