Public Library Services
This program provides contributions to community libraries across Nunavut. The maximum funding for each public library is established within the parameters of the overall budget. Each community library is allocated a specific budget. The program allows for multi-year funding. Multi-year funding is conditional upon having appropriated funds available in the budget for subsequent years.
1. Purpose
This program provides contributions to community libraries across Nunavut.
2. Eligibility
Eligibility for funding is restricted to community libraries operating within Nunavut, and non-profit organizations and municipal corporations proposing to start operating community libraries.
3. Eligible Expenses
In addition to those expenses allowed in the policy, approved applicants to this program may claim:
- Expenses related to Capital projects;
- Recurring operating expenses such as salaries of permanent employees;
- Needs analyses and assessments; and
- The purchase of equipment and furnishings.
4. Review
A Working Group reviews the funding proposals and makes recommendations to the Director of Heritage. The Manager of Public Library Services, or designate, co- chairs the Working Group which is comprised of up to four additional members.
The Working Group meets once per year to review funding proposals. In cases where timelines require a proposed project to be assessed quickly and the Working Group has already met, the Manager of Public Library Services, may recommend to the Director of Heritage to approve or reject the funding proposal.
Maximum funding levels are established for each community-based public library; however, the overall amounts awarded cannot exceed the total budget for Public Library Services.
5. Supporting Data
A completed funding proposal is submitted to the department, which includes an annual description of the library operations, and a proposed budget (including revenues and expenditures).
The following list of specific funding criteria for public libraries must be included in the funding proposal:
- Contribution funding can be used for salaries, operating costs (i.e. utilities, leasing costs, insurance, etc.), library programming, minor renovations, and the purchase of library shelving and furniture;
- All staff and volunteers must submit completed criminal record and vulnerable sector checks to the contribution administrator prior to working in the public library.
Funding proposals should include:
- An annual operating budget, including a breakdown of revenues and planning expenditures for each budget component;
- An estimate of all utility, maintenance, leasing and facility insurance costs, including a detailed breakdown for each cost;
- An estimate of any associated accounting costs;
- An estimate of any library shelving or minor renovation costs;
- A schedule of posted public access operating hours and administrative staff working hours;
- A summary of operations, including a schedule of proposed programs and events that promote the critical and creative use of information in Nunavut’s Official Languages;
- Funding from other sources should also be identified, however this information will not impact the budget allocation; public libraries are encouraged to enhance their operations by seeking funding from other sources.
The required achievement report for the prior year should be submitted to the Manager of Public Library Services for review.
6. Accountability
In addition to the reporting and audit requirements outlined in the policy, recipients are also required to submit an achievement report outlining the benefits achieved, compared to the expectations indicated in the proposal.
7. Amount
The maximum contribution that can be awarded is $500,000, subject to available funding. The government’s liability is limited to the amount of funding authorized. As a result, the government will not be responsible for any shortfalls or deficits.
8. Payment
Payments to public libraries will be issued in two annual installments, as outlined in the terms of the Conditional Contribution Agreement.
9. Term
Contributions are once per fiscal year, with an annual reporting period from April 1 to March 31 of each fiscal year. The department may conditionally approve multi- year projects, subject to availability of funds in subsequent years.