Public Library Funding L ibrary D evelopment S ervices Basic Skills Public Library Administration Public Library Funding Public libraries in Nebraska are funded primarily by local governments such as the city, town, village, or county. Other sources of funding for libraries can be state and federal governments, donations, and grants from a variety of local, state, regional, or national sources. The levy shall be known as the library fund.
Most local governments use their general fund as the source of funding for the library.
Chapter 51-209 explains the process for management and disbursement of library funds. All taxes levied, collected, or money donated for the library must remain in the city treasury until paid out by the treasurer upon receipt of vouchers signed by the library board president and authenticated by the board secretary. This statute allows for a sinking fund for major capital expenditures. It is recommended that public libraries establish a Friends' Group or Foundation for the purpose of accepting donations or monetary gifts for the library. More information about Friends' Groups can be found in the Nebraska Trustee Handbook .