Craig City Council accepts $7,000 state grant for public library and approves new city planner

Craig Public Library will take in $7,000 in state grant money. The Craig City Council voted 5-0 by roll call Thursday to accept it. One council member was absent.

The motion accepted and appropriated the money from the state of Alaska as a Public Library Assistance grant for the library at 504 Third Street. The council opened the item for discussion. No member spoke before the roll call.

The council also approved the appointment of a new city planner by voice vote. Before the vote, the council noted the position had been filled relatively quickly and thanked the members of the hiring committee.

Council members did not discuss the grant's terms. Under Alaska State Library rules, Public Library Assistance recipients must match the award dollar for dollar. Craig must provide another $7,000 in local funds or qualifying volunteer labor, valued at $22 an hour. Recipients must also spend at least $3,500 a year on library materials. Libraries must stay open at least 48 weeks a year and at least three days a week, and offer at least five hours of evening or weekend service each week.

Grants in the state library's current cycle run through June 30, 2027, and recipients must file an annual report with the state library by Sept. 1, 2027, to remain eligible for future Public Library Assistance funding.