89-PRESOLUTION No. 89-~
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, REQUESTING
THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO ENACT LEGISLATION
TO PROVIDE FOR STATE FUNDING SOURCES FOR
MUNICIPALLY SUPPORTED PUBLIC LIBRARIES
WHEREAS, the present provisions of Chapter 257, Florida
Statues, do not provide for funding of local independent municipal
libraries from State Library operating grants and instead solely
assist County and designated District libraries and one City
with a population of over 200,000; and
WHEREAS, the Boynton Beach City Library is independent
and separate from the Palm Beach County Library system and is
supported by City of Boynton Beach funds and provide free public
library services to Boynton Beach citizens as well providing free
library service to citizens throughout the County through co-
operative arrangements; and
WHEREAS, the Boynton Beach City Library meets public
library service needs which are not directly met by the Palm
Beach County Library Taxing District, yet is denied access to
state funded sources of library Operating Grants; and
WHEREAS, the continued development of public library
service in Florida is dependent upon equitable distribution of
State Library Operating Grants to municipal libraries as well as
County libraries; and
WHEREAS, currently 1,500,000 Florida citizens do not
have the opportunity to benefit from an equitable distribution
of State funds since the State funds go only to County and
District libraries; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to provide independent munici-
pal libraries with fair and reasonable access to State funding
sources by direct grants to municipal libraries, so that munici-
pal libraries and citizens of the State of Florida can share
fairly with State grant proceeds.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA:
Section 1. That the State Legislature declare a policy
to encourage the continuation of free library services throughout
the State by providing grants to Cities, as well as Districts and
Counties that maintain free public libraries.
Section 2. That the Legislature recognize the important
role played by municipal libraries and declare a policy to pro-
mote, assist and facilitate the growth of municipal libraries.
Section 3. That the Legislature is hereby requested to
amend Chapter 257, Florida Statutes, to create Public Library
Assistance Grants under Chapter 257, Florida Statutes, that will
assist municipal libraries in funding and providing vital library
service to the 1,500,000 citizens not currently receiving this
funding.
Section 4. That the Palm Beach County Delegation be
requested to support House Bill 379 filed by Representative Frank
Messersmith and Senate Bill 621 filed by Roberto Casas to amend
Chapter 257, Florida Statutes, to create Public Library Assistance
Grants.
Section 5. That a copy hereof shall be provided to the
Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation, the State Librarian,
the Secretary of State, and the Governor.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this z/~ day of ~
1989.
CI BEACH, FLORIDA
wor
ATTEST:
C i ty ~k
· {Corporate Seal)
Vice Mayor
CommiSsioner
Commissioner