Funding and Data
Created out of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the E-Rate Program is intended to provide discounts on telecommunications services, internet access, and internal connections to libraries and schools. The “E” stands for Education. The program is administered by the Schools and Libraries Division, which is a part of the Universal Service Administrative Company, on behalf of the Federal Communications Commission.
The Library Development and Networking Division assists public libraries in understanding the E-Rate process, navigating the rules and regulations, preparing technology plans, and completing applications.
Resources:
Videos:
- Introduction to E-Rate [E-Rate for Virginia Libraries – 10.25.23]
- Passcode: A42+=z?a
- This one-hour webinar is an introduction to E-Rate and is designed to provide a high-level overview of the federal E-rate discount program as it relates to library entities, including the procurement process, program timeline, and required documents. (Presented by E-Rate Central)
- Slides
- Introduction to E-Rate [E-Rate for Virginia Libraries – 10.15.20]
- This one-hour webinar is an introduction to E-Rate and is designed to provide a high-level overview of the federal E-rate discount program as it relates to library entities, including the procurement process, program timeline, and required documents. (Presented by E-Rate Central)
- Slides
- Preparing for Funding Year 2021 [E-Rate for Virginia Libraries – 10.20.20]
- A one-hour webinar detailing the procurement process, program timeline, eligible services, and current and proposed rules in advance of Funding Year 2021-22. (Presented by E-Rate Central)
- Slides
Connecting Our Communities:
The Library of Virginia, the Governor’s broadband office, and the VCTA – Broadband Association of Virginia will present affordable broadband connection options and review essential broadband relief funding sources such as the Emergency Broadband (EBB)Program and the Emergency Connectivity Fund. These programs provide and promote low-cost internet programs to low-income households. The EBB is an ISP (Internet Service Provider) managed program, not a library managed program like E-rate. Public libraries can a vital role in supporting these programs and connecting our communities.
E-Rate Central – Virginia Libraries Team:
Contracts with the Library of Virginia to provide consulting services for E-Rate applicants. E-Rate Central has an entire team assigned to work with Virginia libraries. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the team who will be working with you to ensure a successful filing process.
- Kerri Dillon, CEMP – Kerri is the current president of the E-Rate Management Professionals Association (E-mpa®) and is a Certified E-Rate Management Professional. Contact: kdillon@e-
ratecentral.com or (516) 801-7808. - Eric Silverstein – Joined E-Rate Central in 2020 bringing with him experience in marketing, account management, and other client-facing roles within several industries. Contact: esilverstein@e-ratecentral.com or (516) 801-7827
- Michael Ocampo -Joined E-Rate Central in 2019 bringing years of experience in information technology operations, corporate compliance, training, human resources, debt collection, and various customer service call center roles. Contact: mocampo@e-
ratecentral.com or 516-801-7868. - Mel Van Patten, CEMP – a Certified E-Rate Management Professional, (CEMP) and the former President of the E-Rate Management Professionals Association. Contact: mvanpatten@e-ratecentral.com or (516) 801-7828.
Questions? Contact:
Kerri Dillon, CEMP
E-Rate Central
kdillon@e-ratecentral.com
516-801-7808 (phone)
Cindy Church
State E-Rate Coordinator
Library of Virginia
cindy.church@lva.virginia.gov
804.692.3773
Amounts:
- ADOPTED – FY23 State Aid to Localities & FY24 State Aid (9.28.23)
- DRAFT – FY24 State Aid to Localities & FY25 Proposed State Aid (9.28.23)
Rules & Regulations:
Forms:
- FY25 State Aid Application
- Due: Before June 1, 2024
- If you prefer to mail hard copies, send two (2) with original signatures to:
- The Library of Virginia, c/o Paranita Carpenter, Library Development and Networking Division, 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219
- If you prefer to e-mail the form, send one (1) attachment to:
- Kim Armentrout (kim.armentrout@lva.virginia.gov
- Form Questions? Contact Paranita Carpenter (paranita.carpenter@lva.virginia.gov)
Payments:
FY2024 – Four (4) quarterly state aid payments will be disbursed from the Department of Accounts according to the following schedule:
MONTH OF PAYMENT |
DEADLINE FOR DATA to LVA ACCOUNTING | EDI DEPOSIT DATE to LOCALITY | DEADLINE FOR CHECKS to arrive at LOCALITIES |
July, 2024 | June 18, 2024 | July 12, 2024 | July 19, 2024 |
October, 2024 | September 23, 2024 | October 10, 2024 | October 17, 2024 |
January, 2025 | December 19, 2024 | January 13, 2025 | January 20, 2025 |
April, 2025 | March 21, 2025 | April 10, 2025 | April 17, 2025 |
* EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) deposits to designated banks
* Paper checks (non-EDI) should be received by the locality
State Aid Formula:
Code of Virginia § 42.1 – 48 contains the formula.
- Local effort: 40% of every [local] dollar expended by the political subdivision(s) in the system. The grant to any county or city shall not exceed $250,000.
Plus
- Per capita: Based on population of area served and number of participating municipalities
- 30 cents for the first 600,000 persons served (county or city library) plus 10 cents per capita for each additional jurisdiction (regional)
- Libraries serving in excess of 600,000 receive 10 cents per capita for remaining population
Plus
- Square mileage: $10 per square mile for single jurisdiction (county or city) libraries plus an additional $20 per square mile for libraries serving more than one political jurisdiction (regional).
Proration of State Aid:
Code of Virginia 42.1 – 50 requires the Library of Virginia to prorate the state aid grants any time the General Assembly fails to provide sufficient funds.
Bibliostat COLLECT: Public Library Statistics Data Collection
The Library of Virginia annual collects statistical information from the Virginia Public Libraries through Bibliostat COLLECT.
- Data reported is for the fiscal year that has just ended: July 1 to June 30
- Summer Reading Program activities straddle fiscal years, so report SRP statistics for the programs beginning prior to June 30 and ending in the new fiscal year
- Virtual Programming Statistics Guidance 2020
- Bibliostat Training Video
- COLLECT Website: https://collectconnect.baker-taylor.com
Bibliostat CONNECT: View & Compare Library Statistics
Bibliostat CONNECT provides libraries with access to more than 20 years of Virginia public library statistics. Through CONNECT users may select and compare library statistics and access select national data. Users may create rank order tables, graphs, views of averages and percentiles to organize results into reports or presentations.