MELSA and the Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment
In November 2008, Minnesota voters approved a constitutional amendment to dedicate funds for Minnesota's Outdoor Heritage, Clean Water, Parks and Trails, and Arts and Cultural Heritage. Under the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (ACHF) Minnesota's 300+ public libraries receive funding distributed through existing formulas to the 12 Minnesota Regional Library Systems to provide programs and services in four areas: arts (visual, performing and media), culture, literary and Minnesota history. The law states that these funds are intended "for regional programs and working with arts and cultural partners." MELSA receives $1,362,900 per year for two years (FY 1 - July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010 and FY2 - July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011).
MELSA's Legacy Committee created a white paper outlining goals for the metropolitan region's libraries. The group recommends the following goals for the ACHF program:
- Highlight the unique role/position of public libraries in the cultural life and heritage of our communities, region and state.
- Develop sustainable partnerships between public libraries and other arts, cultural and educational organizations throughout the state.
- Utilize the local talent within arts and cultural organizations throughout the state.
- Develop innovative and exciting programs that our patrons want and use.
- Create cultural opportunities to serve the diverse demographics of our residents.
- Be good stewards of a limited financial resource.
