With an allotment of 2021 state aid, public libraries across the state are deciding how to utilize these additional funds.

“State aid is allocated to accredited libraries (with one exception – dollars for data), to help them provide enhanced services to their community,” said Sam Shaw, planning and data services coordinator for the Nebraska Library Commission. “It’s tied to the accreditation process so libraries have a financial incentive to become accredited.”

In 2021, of the 177 libraries that received aid, 70 saw an increase in aid. Thirty-three libraries saw no change and 7...