News & Events > NewsBreaks Back Index Forward

Weekly News Digest

June 2, 2026 — In addition to this week's NewsBreaks article and the monthly NewsLink Spotlight, Information Today, Inc. (ITI) offers Weekly News Digests that feature recent product news and company announcements. Watch for additional coverage to appear in the next print issue of Information Today. CLICK HERE to view more Weekly News Digest items.

EveryLibrary Institute Publishes an Issue Brief on Florida Public Libraries

Analysis warns proposed property tax amendment could have significant implications for local library funding, economic development, and civic infrastructure 

BERWYN, IL—June 1, 2026

The EveryLibrary Institute today released a new policy brief examining the potential impacts of Florida Senate Joint Resolution 2-F (SJR 2-F), the proposed constitutional amendment that would substantially expand Florida’s homestead exemption and establish a pathway toward the eventual elimination of property taxes on homestead properties.

The brief, SJR 2-F and the Future of Florida’s Public Libraries, is released as the Florida Legislature convenes in special session during the week of June 2 to consider the proposal.

While public discussion has largely focused on homeowner tax relief, the EveryLibrary Institute’s analysis argues that SJR 2-F should also be evaluated as a proposal that could fundamentally alter how local governments finance public services and civic institutions.

“Florida’s public libraries are local institutions funded primarily through local property taxes,” said John Chrastka, Executive Director of the EveryLibrary Institute. “Any proposal that substantially changes local government finance deserves careful examination, not only for its impact on taxpayers, but also for its potential impact on the community institutions that residents rely on every day.” 

According to the brief, Florida’s public libraries received approximately $900 million in local property tax revenue in 2024 while receiving just $17.7 million in state aid. The report concludes that no existing combination of grants, fees, fundraising, or state support currently operates at a scale capable of replacing the local revenues that sustain public library operations statewide.

The analysis also highlights several often-overlooked consequences of reduced local fiscal capacity, including potential impacts on:

• Public library operations and services
• Dedicated library districts and special taxing districts
• Federal E-Rate broadband reimbursements
• State and federal grant opportunities requiring local matching funds
• Friends of the Library and Foundation fundraising efforts
• Local economic development and workforce support programs

The report notes that Florida’s public libraries serve more than 23 million residents and operate at an average cost of approximately $33 per resident annually. According to research cited in the brief, Florida public libraries generate hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity and support thousands of jobs throughout the state. 

The Institute’s analysis also emphasizes that local revenue often serves as the financial foundation that allows libraries to attract outside investment through state construction grants, federal reimbursement programs, private philanthropy, and community fundraising. 

“One of the least discussed aspects of this proposal is that local tax revenue is frequently what enables libraries to compete for additional public and private funding,” said Chrastka. “When local capacity declines, the ability to leverage outside dollars may decline as well.”

The EveryLibrary Institute encourages legislators, local government officials, library leaders, and Florida residents to review the issue brief as debate over SJR 2-F continues during the special session.

The full report is available at everylibraryinstitute.org/issue_brief_sjr2f_future_florida_libraries.

About EveryLibrary Institute

The EveryLibrary Institute NFP is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that conducts research, education, and policy analysis on public, school, academic, and special libraries. The Institute works to strengthen libraries as civic institutions and supports evidence-based policymaking on issues affecting library services, governance, funding, and community impact.

Media Contact:

John Chrastka
Executive Director
EveryLibrary Institute NFP
john.chrastka@everylibrary.org
everylibraryinstitute.org