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Agenda 11/10/2025 Item #16D 9 (Update the previously approved FY2025-2026 State Aid to Libraries Grant Application and 1) approve the Certification of Credentials – Single Library Administrative Head and 2) approve the 2025-2026 Library Annual Plan of Se)11/10/2025 Item # 16.D.9 ID# 2025-4516 Executive Summary Recommendation to update the previously approved FY2025-2026 State Aid to Libraries Grant Application and 1) approve the Certification of Credentials – Single Library Administrative Head and 2) approve the 2025-2026 Library Annual Plan of Service. (Public Services Grant Fund 1839) OBJECTIVE: To further the County’s Strategic Plan focus area, Quality of Place, through securing State Aid to Libraries grant funds to support operation of Collier County Public Library system. CONSIDERATIONS: Collier County Public Library (CCPL) qualifies for State Aid to Libraries under Chapter 257 of the Florida Statutes. The Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services administers this program. The Grant Agreement, 2023-2027 Library Strategic Plan, and the 2025-2026 Annual Plan of Service are required elements to receive State Funding. The Board of County Commissioners (“Board”) has approved the application for State Aid and associated contracts and documents for over three decades. The Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services has estimated the award to Collier County Public Library to be in the amount of $120,354.00. State Aid is available to Florida public library systems that qualify because of meeting minimum requirements as stipulated in Chapter 257, Fla. Stat., and Chapter 1B-2, Florida Administrative Code. The grant amount is calculated using a formula that considers (1) the amount of local funds appropriated for the Library adjusted by a factor based on the amount of revenue one mill levy in the jurisdiction would generate, (2) the number of library systems in Florida that qualify in a given year, and (3) the total amount made available by the State Legislature to improve library services within the State. These funds are intended to supplement, not replace, local funding efforts. State Aid may not be used to fund capital construction, but may be used for Personnel Expenses (salaries, wages, and related employee benefits), Operating Expenses (goods and services), and Non-Fixed Capital outlay and other (operating expenditures categories in the library budget), expenditures, and equipment. On September 23, 2025 (Agenda Item 16.D.6) the Board approved the FY2025-2026 State Aid to Libraries Grant Application 2023-2027; Collier County Public Library Strategic Plan; Certification of Local Operating Expenditures; Certification of Hours, Free Library Service, and Access to Material; and executed the Grant Agreement, with the first submittal on October 1, 2025. As part of the second submission for the grant application, due on December 1, 2025, the following items are required: 1. The Certification of Credentials – Single Library Administrative Head, which ensures that the Library Director has been appointed by the single administrative unit; has completed a library education program accredited by the American Library Association; and has at least two years of full-time paid professional experience, after completing the library education program, in a public library that is open to the public for a minimum of 40 hours per week. The County Manager reassigned Tanya Williams to Library Director effective October 6, 2025. Ms. Williams obtained her Master of Library and Information Science Degree from the University of South Florida August 1999. She has spent 27 years working within Collier’s public libraries with more than five (5) years at the director’s level. Ms. Williams was previously certified by the Board at their January 10, 2017 meeting (Agenda item 16.D.1). 2. The Annual Plan of Service for 2025-2026, which outlines the goals, objectives, and activities that will be supported for the application year. The Annual Plan of Service must be approved or adopted by the library’s governing body. This item is consistent with the Collier County strategic plan objective Quality of Place, through securing State Aid to Libraries grant funds to support operation of Collier County Public Library system. FISCAL IMPACT: Preliminary estimates show that Collier County Public Library should receive about $120,354.00 in State Aid. Upon notification of the grant award, the Board will be asked to accept the grant and approve the budget Page 4605 of 6525 11/10/2025 Item # 16.D.9 ID# 2025-4516 amendment to recognize the revenue and appropriate expenditures. There is no match required for this grant. (Public Services Grant Fund 1839) GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no Growth Management impact due to this request. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been approved as to form and legality and requires a majority vote for Board approval. - CMG RECOMMENDATION(S): Recommendation to update the previously approved FY2025-2026 State Aid to Libraries Grant Application and 1) approve the Certification of Credentials – Single Library Administrative Head and 2) approve the 2025-2026 Library Annual Plan of Service. (Public Services Grant Fund 1839) PREPARED BY: Parker Smith, Grants Coordinator, Community & Human Services Division ATTACHMENTS: 1. FY26_CCPL Annual Plan of Service_FINAL 2. CertificationofAdministrativeHead -CAO approved Page 4606 of 6525 Page 1 of 11 Addendum to the Collier County Public Library 2023-2027 Strategic Plan 2025-2026 Annual Plan of Service ENGAGE Collier County Public Libraries are open, accessible, and thriving spaces linking people to a world of resources and services that enrich their lives. Goal 1: Stimulate imagination through reading, viewing, and listening. Division Objectives Action Items Completion Date Performance Measures Objective 1. Increase the overall visibility of the collection system- wide with an emphasis on promotion through creative and intelligent displays. 1.1 Self-directed team maintains system-wide protocols to ensure best practices in display and marketing. 1.1 09/30/2026 1.1 Promotional materials are reviewed in a timely manner according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). 1.1 SOP is reviewed at least annually and updated as needed. Objective 2. Use available data analytics and collection analysis tools to assess the relevance of library collections, programs and services to ensure appropriate annual allocation of funds. 2.1 Collection Development Team will work directly with Director to establish multi-year budgetary requirements to continue to increase collection inventory. 2.2 Funds are allocated each year for eBook/eAudio collection development. 2.1 09/30/2026 2.2 09/30/2026 2.1 Written phased funding plan is aligned with eBook and print collection needs to guide collection development budget. 2.2 eBook/eAudio collection inventory supported by General Fund, state aid, and donations. Look for additional ways to move capital funds to operational. Objective 3. Develop the image of CCPL as a source of high quality, free programs, services, and resources for the community. 3.1 Library Marketing Team will work with Communications team members to annually review Library marketing plan. 3.2 Library Marketing Team will identify, purchase, and maintain an inventory of appropriate promotional materials for outreach. 3.1 06/01/2026 3.2 09/30/2026 3.1 Library will be regularly visible through various multi-media outlets, including newspapers, radio, social media, etc. 3.2 Based upon the budget, promotional materials are purchased and available for outreach. Page 4607 of 6525 Page 2 of 11 Objective 4. Increase county, state, and community partnerships to expand the library’s image as a gateway to learning and knowledge. 4.1 Marketing Librarian will reach out and network with county and agency departments/divisions. 4.1 06/01/2026 4.1 Database of county and agency “experts” and partnerships will be generated for Library programming and Updated regularly. Goal 2: Provide comfortable, safe, and welcoming spaces for people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds to connect with others and to engage in individual pursuits. Division Objectives Action Items Completion Date Performance Measures Objective 1. Solicit patron and staff feedback to assess patron satisfaction and the quality of the patron experience. 1.1 Expand customer service satisfaction surveys to include new projects and initiatives. 1.2 QA/QC Team will analyze survey results and provide feedback/direction to staff. 1.1 09/30/2026 1.2 09/30/2026 1.1 Distribute 4 surveys annually 1.2 Based upon the budget, Corrective actions and enhancements made based on survey results. Objective 2. Provide library services and programs that reflect the cultural diversity of the community. 2.1 Maintain quality public programming with Friends partnership and financial support. 2.2 Provide culturally diverse programming through community partnerships. 2.3 Develop programming to target teens and other identified underserved populations. 2.1 04/01/2026 2.2 09/30/2026 2.3 09/30/2026 2.1 Request new Friends funding for FY26 during budget development. 2.2 A minimum of 12 culturally diverse programs offered system- wide throughout the year. 2.3 Develop and implement a minimum of 4 new programs. Objective 3. Develop a comprehensive staff training and professional development program including regular communication with staff regarding information about library and County initiatives, activities, and events. 3.1 Self-directed team continues to work with HR to identify needed training and job titles for career progression development in light of current/new pandemic protocols. 3.1 09/30/2026 3.1 Worked with HR to Identify possible job classifications and minimum requirements that would benefit the Division. Page 4608 of 6525 Page 3 of 11 Objective 4. Use available data analytics to identify library facilities for the development of quiet areas, reading rooms, makerspaces, and “hubs”. 4.1 Individual Branch Surveys 4.1 09/30/2026 4.1 Survey to initiate and conduct a library site plan study. Goal 3: Customize hours, spaces, services and collections to meet community needs. Division Objectives Action Items Completion Date Performance Measures Objective 1. Apply data analytics, branch by branch, to ensure more relevant collections, programs, services, hours, and space utilization. 1.1 Gather patron comments of expanded service models developed in response to pandemic through a Qualtrics customer satisfaction survey. 1.2 Collection acquisitions balanced in proportion to actual use. 1.1 09/30/2026 1.2 09/30/2026 1.1 Library patrons surveyed. 1.2 Percentage of collection expenditures is in line with collection usage. Objective 2. Evaluate the condition of the collection and develop a comprehensive collection development and management program. 2.1 Collection Management Team will finalize a revised system-wide Collection Management Policy. 2.1 09/30/2026 2.1 Collection Management Policy approved by the Library Advisory Board. Goal 4: Build public awareness and engagement through strategic marketing. Division Objectives Action Items Completion Date Performance Measures Objective 1. Develop and implement comprehensive marketing plans to raise public awareness of the resources and services improving library positioning in the community. 1.1 Library Marketing Team will work with Communications team to annually review Library marketing plan. 1.1 06/01/2026 1.1 Library will be regularly visible through various multi- media outlets, including newspapers, radio, social media, etc. Page 4609 of 6525 Page 4 of 11 Objective 2. Develop and support community relations efforts through key partnerships and strategically pursuing opportunities to promote the library at community events. 2.1 Library Marketing Team will identify and develop two new partnership opportunities. 2.1 09/30/2026 2.1 Programming offered or resources expanded for patrons based on new partnerships. Objective 3. Utilize a variety of traditional marketing mediums and social media platforms to target specific audiences and reach the broadest possible audiences. 3.1 Library Marketing Team and individual libraries will provide regular material for marketing. 3.1 09/30/2026 3.1 Each library will submit information, pictures, and video for marketing distribution on a regular basis. Goal 5: Engage staff at all levels of internal and external communication. Division Objectives Action Items Completion Date Performance Measures Objective 1. Maintain consistency between words and actions 1.1 Administration will work with Managers and staff to review our message as related to our mission and values of the library 1.1 09/30/2026 1.1 Annual review of PALM performance standards. Objective 2. Clear Communication to minimize ambiguity 2.1 Schedule and gather staff input in response to pandemic in scheduled Focus Group sessions 2.1 09/30/2026 2.1 Focus Group Sessions formed to gather staff input and related issues and concerns Objective 3. Change our approach to creating engaging experiences 3.1 Gather staff comments of expanded service models developed in response to pandemic through a customer satisfaction survey. 3.1 09/30/2026 3.1 Library staff surveyed to determine staff involvement in teams and projects Page 4610 of 6525 Page 5 of 11 Objective 4. Create more opportunities to listen, learn and understand from one another 4.1 Schedule and gather staff input in response to focus group input and staff surveys 4.1 03/03/2026 4.1 Focus Group Sessions formed to gather staff input and feedback EMPOWER Collier County Public Libraries contribute to the vitality and resiliency of our communities. Goal 1: Provide connection to the online world. Division Objectives Action Items Completion Date Performance Measures Objective 1. Provide public use computers, printers, faxing and scanners. 1.1 Maintain public accessibility to computers, printers, scanners, and faxing services. 1.1 09/30/2026 1.1 Increase use of copier/printers/scanners/fax. Objective 2. Provide high-speed and Wi-Fi access to the Internet with no unnecessary restrictions or fees. 2.1 Maintain and enhance high-speed and Wi-Fi access. 2.2 Printing and copying fees are appropriately balanced between public demand and cost feasibility. 2.1 09/30/2026 2.2 09/30/2026 2.1 WiFi and Zscaler configurations routinely monitored to maintain consistent bandwidth and patron access to website resources. 2.2 Printing/copying fees match public demand and provide best value. Objective 3. Migration from PayPal to NCR for credit card transactions. 3.1 Work with library vendors to handle credit card transactions through NCR. 3.2 Sunset PayPal. 3.1 03/01/2026 3.2 Completed 3.1 Credit card transaction handled by NCR. 3.2 PayPal account closed. Goal 2: Emphasize 21st century literacies including information, finance, and health in library programs. Page 4611 of 6525 Page 6 of 11 Division Objectives Action Items Completion Date Performance Measures Objective 1. Provide library services, materials and programs to increase the digital literacy of the community. 1.1 Increase patron usage of electronic materials and content use. 1.2 Provide system-wide technology programming and access to new technology 1.1 09/30/2026 1.2 09/30/2026 1.1 Increase public electronic materials and content use. 1.2 Maintain a minimum of 20 programs per year system-wide. Objective 2. Develop programs and services to foster innovation and creativity to support science, technology, engineering, arts and math (S.T.E.A.M.) skills. 2.1 Identify training opportunities for staff to develop best practices in S.T.E.A.M. 2.2 Increase S.T.E.A.M. based programming and services. 2.1 09/30/2026 2.2 09/30/2026 2.1 Staff will attend a minimum of three webinars, trainings, or conference sessions. 2.2 Maintain S.T.E.A.M. based programming at a minimum of 12 programs per year system- wide. Objective 3. Use available data analytics to determine appropriate resources needed at each branch to help develop 21st century literacy skills. 3.1 Survey individual libraries to ensure technology, health and financial information needs are being met. 3.2 Continue to develop and provide appropriate 21st century literacy programs. 3.1 09/30/2026 3.2 09/30/2026 3.1 Survey for each branch to ensure that informational needs are being met. 3.2 Provide a minimum of 20 programs per year across the system addressing 21st century literacies. Goal 3: Leverage partnerships to provide accessibility to new technology. Division Objectives Action Items Completion Date Performance Measures Objective 1: Expand the library experience to include makerspaces, learning commons, and non- traditional materials. 1.1 Partner with the Southwest Florida Library Network and Friends of the Library to have 3D printing, coding, and robotics programs. 1.1 09/30/2026 1.1 Provide a minimum of 10 programs system-wide per year. Objective 2: Use available data analytics to identify library facilities for the development of “hub” technology libraries. 2.1 Self-directed Design Team will work through process to identify libraries easily re- purposed as technology “hubs” 2.1 09/30/2026 2.1 Recommendations available for FY26 budget development. Page 4612 of 6525 Page 7 of 11 EDUCATE Collier County Public Libraries advance the educational priorities of our communities. Goal 1: Support early learning to promote school readiness. Division Objectives Action Items Completion Date Performance Measures Objective 1. Provide parents and caregivers with quality story times, training and materials which encourage them to talk, sing, write, and play with their children. 1.1 Participate in the State Summer Reading Program. 1.2 Youth Services Team will continue system- wide early literacy programming initiatives. 1.1 09/30/2026 1.2 09/19/2026 1.1 Increased participation in summer reading and programming 1.2 Summer Reading Program includes pre-literacy Sensory Toy Centers programs for toddlers and pre-readers. Objective 2. Make accessible training for staff that reinforces the library’s early learning strategies. 2.1 Budget and enable youth services staff to attend training. Use SWFLN resources 2.2 Ensure youth services staff share knowledge learned and implement best practices in programming. 2.1 10/01/2026 2.2 09/30/2026 2.1 Training budget for FY26 was established. 2.2 Youth Services staff will share training knowledge and best practices learned during their quarterly Youth Service Team Meetings. Objective 3. Provide easy access to early literacy materials, websites, information and programs for parents and caregivers. 3.1 Maintain youth service page on website. 3.2 Early literacy strategies are shared with parents and caregivers during programs. 3.1 09/30/2026 3.2 09/30/2026 3.1 Highly visible, easily accessed youth service page on library website. 3.2 Early literacy strategies are made available as a handout. Objective 4. Continue to investigate and invest in technology, resources, and tools that support early learning strategies. 4.1 Youth Services Team will research and recommend early literacy technology, resources, and tools to expand the library’s services. 4.1 06/01/2026 4.1 Recommendations available for FY26 budget development. Page 4613 of 6525 Page 8 of 11 Objective 5. Expand the library’s outreach to childcare facilities serving at-risk and underserved populations. 5.1 Youth Services staff to regularly update and maintain list of childcare facilities serving at-risk and underserved populations. 5.2 Youth Services staff will work with Marketing on outreach opportunities. 5.1 06/01/2026 5.2 09/30/2026 5.1 Childcare facility database regularly updated and maintained. 5.2 Minimum of 10 outreaches conducted duringFY26. Goal 2: Provide resources and information needed for the academic success of students in public, private, home schools, trade schools, and higher education. Division Objectives Action Items Completion Date Performance Measures Objective 1. Regularly attend community school events to promote library services and gain insight into community needs. 1.1 Youth Services staff and branch managers will attend Literacy Nights, open house, and other school events. 1.1 09/30/2026 1.1 A minimum of 6 community school events will be attended during FY26. Objective 2. Work with public and private school media specialists and classroom teachers to foster a love of reading through book talks, class visits to the library, and creative programming. 2.1 Promote the 2026 Summer Reading Program through outreaches to schools and parks. 3.1 06/01/2026 3.1 Minimum of 10 school/parks outreach activities to promote the 2026 Summer Reading Program. Goal 3: Support personal growth and lifelong learning through high quality collections and programs. Division Objectives Action Items Completion Date Performance Measures Objective 1. Collaborate with public, private, and nonprofit partners to promote reading for pleasure, expand self-directed learning opportunities and provide a variety of cultural experiences for all ages. 1.1 Maintain/expand partnerships with United Way and County agencies. 1.1 09/30/2026 1.1 Further develop and maintain partnership programs system- wide for FY26. Page 4614 of 6525 Page 9 of 11 Objective 2. Develop and manage library print and online collections to reflect patron demand. 2.1 Collection Management Team will implement approved Collection Management Policy. 2.1 09/30/2026 2.1 Regular patron feedback will be collected, assessed, and adjustments in print and online development will reflect community need. Goal 4: Instruct people on developing information fluency skills to successfully search for, locate, evaluate, and effectively use information to meet their needs. Division Objectives Action Items Completion Date Performance Measures Objective 1. Develop and offer classes on how to navigate the Internet and electronic library resources, and to recognize authoritative sources. 1.1 Public Service Librarians will develop and implement appropriate technology training at the Collier Senior Center. 1.1 09/30/2026 1.1 Minimum of 4 programs in FY26. Objective 2. Create online tutorials to help users navigate library technology, online databases, and other e-resources. 2.1 Public Services Librarians will work with the Marketing Team to maintain online tutorials for using OverDrive, cloudLibrary, library catalog, Flipster, and other Library online resources. 2.1 09/30/2026 2.1 Online tutorials for OverDrive, cloudLibrary, and the catalog are available via the library’s website. Goal 5: Broaden staff knowledge to work across functional areas Division Objectives Action Items Completion Date Performance Measures Objective 1. Train staff to share job functions and responsibilities and anticipate emerging needs. 1.1 Staff and branch managers will attend in person and online training sessions, and other training opportunities (SWFLN) 1.1 09/30/2026 1.1 A minimum of 12 monthly training sessions will be attended during FY26. Objective 2. Upskilling to keep staff prepared for future. 2.1 Collaborate with staff in identifying and developing new skills the Library most needs 2.1 09/30/2026 2.1 Provide access and training opportunities to 6 soft skills Page 4615 of 6525 Page 10 of 11 through ongoing trainings sessions that also include institutional knowledge sharing Objective 3. Create curriculum for professional staff to make them successful in a changing environment 3.1 Promote professional development and transparency about our changing library environment by providing innovative curriculum, that provides mini, crash course training sessions 3.1 06/01/2026 3.1 Minimum of 10 curriculum training opportunities that would include internal and external curriculum development sessions. 2023-2027 Five Year Performance Measures ENGAGE Collier County Public Libraries are open, accessible, and thriving spaces linking people to a world of resources and services that enrich their lives. • Master of Library Science degreed librarians at 7 out of 10 libraries. • Minimum of five days of library service at 9 out of 10 libraries with appropriate balance of librarians and para-librarians to maintain high quality service. • Technology “hubs” and quiet spaces at all libraries. • Print and e-book collections balanced to reflect patron demand. • Cultural and educational learning balanced across all libraries and offerings balanced to serve children through adults. Page 4616 of 6525 Page 11 of 11 EMPOWER Collier County Public Libraries contribute to the vitality and resiliency of our communities. • Fully developed partnerships and identified funding sources to ensure the library’s status of free access to cutting edge technology Identified libraries for re-purposing to meet the ever changing and growing demands of the communities served. • Expanded partnership with non-profit community organizations to include technology outreach and programming. • Ensure continued patron access to current technology, and free and open access to ideas, information, and content. • Initiate a study to develop 20-year master plan identifying areas for possible library growth. EDUCATE Collier County Public Libraries advance the educational priorities of our communities. • Fully developed partnership with Collier County Public Schools. • Partnerships with private schools, home schools, trade schools, and institutions of higher education. • Partnerships with daycare facilities serving at-risk and underserved populations. • Expanded partnership, to include outreach with community The best strategic plans are dynamic, flexible tools for continuous improvement. With the Library’s mission as the primary foundation, its vision as the ideal, and the County’s Core Values as guides to decision making, the Collier County Public Library system will commit to a process that ensures accountability, versatility, and rational decision-making. Seeking out the needs and wants of Collier’s residents and visitors through a community assessment was the first step. From there it is the Library’s responsibility to develop an appropriate strategy to address current needs and plan for the future. The Library Advisory Board (LAB) and Strategic Initiatives Division will have the primary responsibility to monitor the plan’s goals and objectives and assess overall progress. Library staff will have the responsibility of overseeing implementation and consulting, and working with groups directly involved or affected by decisions. Through the course of implementation, new issues, challenges, and ideas will emerge. In a cyclical process Library staff and the LAB will measure progress, budget resources to maximize outcomes, and identify potential new areas that require action. In this way, both the strategic plan and annual plan of service will be constantly reviewed, evaluated, and updated. 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Clertifoathn ofCredentiah - Srrgle Library Adrinistrati\,€ Head (Fom DUSISA0 I ) ClEpt€r 1R2.011(2)(a), Fhrida Adminis,tatile Code, Eftcti\E 09-2025 rtt Page I 8nd Attomey (Nanr ollibrary goveming body) SignanlII: Page 4618 of 6525