2026 Plan of Service and Tentative Budget
Table of Contents
Plan Year System Projects
Which type of libraries are generally eligible to participate in system projects?
- Legally established public libraries located within a taxing county within the NCKLS boundaries are eligible to participate in system projects.
- Legally established public libraries with a current contract within the NCKLS boundaries are eligible for a limited number of system projects and services.
What requirements need to be met by a library to be generally eligible to participate in system projects? Eligibility requirements unique to specific projects should be provided in individual project descriptions.
- Membership in NCKLS establishes eligibility.
In the table below, provide the total budget and percentage allocation for projects categorized under each sub-category. The sum of all sub-category percentage allocations should equal 100%. Also, indicate the start page for projects in each sub-category.
| Category | Sub-Category | Total Budget | Percentage Allocation | Page Number |
| Library Service Improvement | System Grant-in-Aid | $64,000 | 5.4% | 8 |
| Accreditation | $0 | — | ||
| Professional Development | $16,000 | 1.3% | 8 | |
| Collections & Resources | $120,000 | 10% | 10 | |
| Programming | $13,300 | 1.0% | 11 | |
| Other | $5,000 | <1% | 12 | |
| Interlibrary Cooperation | Consulting | $721,261 | 60.3% | 13 |
| Extended Library Service Area | ||||
| Interlibrary Loan | $65,000 | 5% | 14 | |
| Shared Collections | $123,000 | 10.3% | 15 | |
| Shared Catalog/ILS | $15,000 | 1.3% | 18 | |
| Technology | $56,600 | 4.7% | 19 | |
| Other | ||||
| Total | $1,199,161 | 100% |
Project Name: Extended Service Grant
Eligible Libraries: Legally established public libraries in a NCKLS taxing county.
Total Funding: $64,000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 100%
Project Description: The purpose of this grant is to help libraries meet the Kansas Public Library Guidelines in locally defined areas of emphasis. The local library board may determine the project for these funds.
Detailed example of funding:
Base Grant: $1,000 per legally established public library
Per Capita: Population totals are taken from the Kansas Public Library Survey from the previous year.
| Library Service Level | Multiplier Per Capita |
| Gateway | $1.25 |
| Linking | $1.00 |
| Service Center I | $0.75 |
| Service Center II | $0.50 |
| Major Service Center II | $0.10 |
Reduction in funding occurs with service population growth or decline.
Project Name: Continuing Education Grant
Eligible Libraries: Legally established public library in NCKLS region. Legally established public libraries with a current NCKLS contract for services.
Total Funding: $8000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 50%
Project Description: The purpose of this grant is to help libraries meet Kansas Public Library Guidelines for development and training of library staff and board members.
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries: Libraries in taxing counties: A maximum of $650 per public library is allowed to cover the cost of attending a conference, workshop, training, mileage or webinar. An application form can be found on the NCKLS website. Mileage request form can be found on the NCKLS website.
Contacting libraries: A maximum of $500 per public library is allowed to cover the cost of attending a conference, workshop, training or webinar. An application form can be found on the NCKLS website.
Reduction in funding occurs if library staff or board members do not attend the event. Unspent/unused funds must be returned to NCKLS.
Project Name: Workshops and Meetings Service
Eligible Libraries: Any library in NCKLS region
Total Funding: $7000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 44%
Project Description: NCKLS offers educational opportunities to groups of library staff and stakeholders in a variety of formats to meet individual and library needs. The Kansas Public Library Guideline indicates the need for library personnel to pursue an ongoing program of continuing education activities, including technology training. Staff will curate key online content for library staff and board members to take advantage of free continuing education opportunities offered.
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries: On Demand–Library staff register for events on NCKLS website.
Reduction in funding occurs if events are cancelled due to low enrollment, weather events, schedule changes, presenter issues, technology.
Project Name: Applied Public Library Education Service (APPLE)
Eligible Libraries: Legally established public library in NCKLS region. Legally established public libraries with a current NCKLS contract for services.
Total Funding: $1000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 6%
Project Description: This grant provides training for new library directors in the NCKLS region. On or around one year of service to the public library, new library directors are invited to join the statewide APPLE training. This training is taught or facilitated by consultants and directors of the seven regional systems. Library directors are the only staff eligible to attend.
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries: NCKLS expects a commitment from the local library board to allow the new director to actively participate and attend all training events. Each region has a limited number of spots available, spots are offered by invitation and filled in chronological order of starting date of new director.
Funding reduced for local library boards that interfere in any way that prohibits director from completing program. Events that are out of the control of board are not considered a conflict; dismissal, resignation, illness, family, etc.
Project Name: Collection Grant
Eligible Libraries: Legally established public libraries in an NCKLS taxing county.
Total Funding: $120,000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 100%
Project Description: The purpose of this grant is to improve local collections and extend resource sharing in the region with physical materials.
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries: Fund amounts are based on library service levels stated in the Kansas Public Library Guidelines due to service population. Population numbers are taken from the Public Library Survey from the previous year.
| Service level | Population | Collection Grant funds |
| Gateway | Under 500 | $1,250 |
| Linking | 500-1,000 | $3,000 |
| Service Center I | 1,000-2,500 | $5,500 |
| Service Center II | 2,500-10,000 | $7,000 |
| Major Service Center I | 10,000-25,000 | $7,000 |
| Major Service Center II | 25,000-100,000 | $7,000 |
Reduction or increase in funding occurs with service population growth or decline as reported on the Public Library Survey from the previous year.
Project Name: Programming Grant
Eligible Libraries: Legally established public libraries in an NCKLS taxing county.
Total Funding: $6000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 45%
Project Description: The purpose of this grant is to help libraries provide engaging and enriching programs to their communities.
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries: An application form can be found on the NCKLS website. This grant can include speakers, performers, space rental, supplies, food.
Reduction in funding occurs if taxing libraries do not advertise events to all residents in the region.
Project Name: Movie License Subsidy
Eligible Libraries: Any public library located within a NCKLS taxing county. Legally established public libraries with a current NCKLS contract for services.
Total Funding: $4000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 30%
Project Description: The movie license subsidy encourages libraries to provide visual programming to their communities.
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries: NCKLS covers 50% of the movie licensing cost for each library in the NCKLS region. Libraries must participate as members of the NCKLS group with the vendor. NCKLS does not cover any add-on features or fees.
Reduction in funding occurs if libraries do not join group within renewal window. All libraries are aware that failure to use vendor approved list may result in legal issues. NCKLS is not responsible to cover any legal fees or reparations.
Project Name: Summer Library Program Planning
Eligible Libraries: Any public library located within a NCKLS taxing county. Legally established public libraries with a current NCKLS contract for services.
Total Funding: $3300
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 25%
Project Description: NCKLS will empower library staff and stakeholders with resources and assistance needed to support all communities in the pursuit of lifelong learning. With direct support for summer library programs for children, teens and adults, NCKLS provides comprehensive summer library program materials and gathering statistics to support the impact and future of summer programming. NCKLS will provide training specific to the annual summer materials and themes, including hosting dynamic sharing events amongst library staff and program support to ensure that children and teens maintain their learning throughout the months away from formal schooling while also keeping adults engaged in reading related services and events.
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries: All eligible libraries are funded at the same level.
Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalties to libraries that do not use this service.
Project Name: Technical Services Subsidy (Acquisitions, Processing, Cataloging and Supplies)
Eligible Libraries: This service is open to all legally established public libraries in a NCKLS taxing county and legally established public libraries with a current NCKLS contract for services. Supplies are sold to any library in the NCKLS region.
Total Funding: $5000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 100%
Project Description: NCKLS provides efficient, low-cost technical services for ordering, cataloging and processing materials to encourage libraries to share resources and maintain accurate holdings. We maximize volume discounts for materials and supplies used for the physical collection, these are offered to member libraries at a discount rate.
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries:
- Supplies are charged to all libraries at the cost to NCKLS.
- Gateway libraries may choose to have NCKLS staff attach mylar covers, attach pockets, create labels for cards, pockets, spine. Supplies are charged to the library, NCKLS staff provides the finishing on the item to make it shelf ready.
- NCKLS subscribes to several selection journals that circulate to system staff and library directors to improve collection development across the system. Routing lists are created to include all public libraries with interest.
- Cataloging consulting is available to all libraries in the NCKLS region.
- Books or materials purchased new, received as gifts or already owned by member libraries participating in the NorCat shared consortium may be sent to system headquarters for cataloging into the NorCat shared consortium.
- NCKLS staff adds records to Kansas Library Catalog for legally established public libraries in taxing counties that do not participate in a library catalog with Z39.50 capabilities.
- Baker and Taylor Title Sources access:
- The System provides up to FOUR user accounts for taxing libraries. If a taxing library needs more logins the library is charged the additional cost as billed by B&T.
- The System provides ONE user account for contracting libraries in the contract fee for service. If a contracting library needs more logins the library is charged the additional cost as billed by B&T.
- OCLC
- CatExpress (<20k population) The system purchases a number of records to go along with the CatExpress accounts based on our shared usage annually.
- OCLC Connexion, (over 20k population). The system pays the full OCLC Connexion bill for all libraries in this category, then charges back to each participating library for this service, thereby resulting in the 5% savings.
Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalties to those that do not use these services.
Project Name: Consulting Services
Eligible libraries: Any library in the NCKLS region
Total funding allocated: $721,261
Percentage of project funding: 100%
Project Description: NCKLS provides expert consulting services from degreed librarians and experienced technology staff making this shared knowledge available to all libraries in the region regardless of library type, size, budget or staffing. Library staff and library boards may call on our consultants for assistance in the areas of technology, programming, library governance, administration, operations, interlibrary loan, youth services and more.
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries: On Demand: NCKLS maintains a fleet of vehicles, Microsoft 365 and a robust phone system for communication. Consulting services can take place in-person, phone, email, screen connect, Zoom, text or chat platforms.
Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalties to those that do not use this service.
Project Name: Courier Subsidy
Eligible Libraries: Legally established public libraries located within an NCKLS taxing county.
Total Funding: $64,000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 98%
Project Description: The purpose of this project is to facilitate interlibrary loan and resource sharing in the region and across the state.
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries:
- Gateway and Linking libraries: NCKLS pays 82% of base fees. NCKLS will restrict the subsidy to the base fee for 3 stops per week service for all libraries in this service level. Fees are paid directly to the service provider.
- Service Center 1 and 2 libraries: NCKLS pays 80% of base fees. NCKLS will restrict the subsidy to the base fee for 3 stops per week service for libraries in this service level. Fees are paid directly to the service provider.
- Major Service Center 2: NCKLS pays 80% of base fees. Libraries with a shipping volume that exceeds 7,000 items annually will be eligible for funding to cover 5 day service charges. Fees are paid directly to the service provider.
Reduction in funding will occur if reporting statistics are not up to date.
Project Name: Postage Subsidy
Eligible Libraries: Legally established public libraries located within a NCKLS taxing county that are not subscribers to the Kansas Library Express.
Total Funding: $1000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 2%
Project Description: This project facilitates interlibrary loan and resources sharing in libraries that do not subscribe to the Kansas Library Express courier service.
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries: Reimbursement rates are the USPS media mail rate up to 2 pounds per item. Annual loans are self-reported on the annual Public Library Survey submitted to the State Library of Kansas.
Reduction in funding: Libraries must loan a minimum of 10 items. Maximum subsidy is $500 annually. Libraries that subscribe to the Kansas Library Express are not eligible for a postage subsidy.
Project Name: Digital Resources Service
Eligible Libraries: Legally established public libraries located within a NCKLS taxing
county. Legally established public libraries with a current NCKLS contract for services.
Total Funding: $71,000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 49%
Project Description: The purpose of this project is to ensure that all libraries within the NCKLS region have access to lend popular digital materials and to increase adoption of digital materials in rural areas of the region. NCKLS pays the service provider directly for the service in a library within a taxing county.
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries: NCKLS supports the Sunflower elibrary and statewide Cloud Library collections by purchasing materials monthly. Member libraries submit purchase requests to meet local patron needs. NCKLS staff monitors holds lists to reduce wait time.
- Legally established public libraries in taxing counties: NCKLS plays the service provider directly for the service. NCKLS maintains an agreement with the Sunflower administrator and pays the annual fee for all libraries in the group. Libraries surrender any purchasing credits to NCKLS
- Legally established public libraries with a current NCKLS contract: NCKLS pays the service provider directly for the service, libraries are charged for the annual Sunflower e-library fee on their annual contract. NCKLS maintains an agreement with the Sunflower administrator and charges the annual administrative fees on the annual contract. Libraries surrender any purchasing credits to NCKLS.
Reduction in funding occurs if contracting libraries fail to uphold contract obligations. Reduction in funding will occur if libraries in taxing counties do not advertise service to all residents in the region.
Project Name: Rotating Books Collection Service/Subsidy
Eligible Libraries: This service is open to public libraries in a NCKLS taxing county. This service is available as a subsidy to libraries in NCKLS contracting counties.
Total Funding: $50,000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 49%
Project Description: NCKLS offers access to a collection of popular reading material in various print formats, reading and interest levels to expand resources available in local communities. Each library provides NCKLS staff with a profile of interests and needs from their community.
| Collection Type | Interest Level |
| Popular Fiction | Adult, Young Adult, Children |
| Popular Non-Fiction | Adult, Young Adult, Children |
| Spanish Language | Adult, Young Adult, Children |
| Large Print | Adult, Young Adult, School-Age Children |
| Graphic Novels | Young Adult, Juvenile |
| Beginning Readers | Children |
| Holiday | Adult, Children |
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries: NCKLS selects, sorts and packs the delivery. An individually curated collection of 350-400 books is delivered to a participating library six times a year.
- Legally established public libraries with a current NCKLS contract for rotating book services are charged $775 per stop.
- Public libraries in taxing counties: Rotating materials provided by NCKLS are intended to supplement the collections of participating libraries. These materials are not to be a substitute for the participating library purchasing and maintaining a primary collection of library materials that meets the needs of the community.
Reduction in funding occurs if these minimum standards are not maintained:
- Each library is responsible to provide a secure location for the collection including an indoor humidity controlled environment.
- shelving for library books separate from the local collection.
- ability to access location with the NCKLS book van and transportation equipment.
- Regular hours must be established to allow access for the community to use the collection.
- A volunteer must be identified who is responsible for checking out books to community members, providing a point of contact for NCKLS staff and is available for the scheduled deliveries.
Project Name: Professional Resources Collection Service
Eligible Libraries: Any library in NCKLS region.
Total Funding: $1000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: less than 1%
Project Description: NCKLS maintains a current collection of books that relate to libraries and librarianship for loan to library staff and board members across the region.
NCKLS staff refers member libraries to the professional resource collection to address issues that arise in their communities.
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries: On Demand–requests can be made by; phone, email, face to face, using the ShareIT system.
Reduction in funding: Overdue fines are not charged, member libraries are charged replacement price for items not returned after 6 months.
Project Name: Programming Kits Service
Eligible Libraries: Any library in NCKLS region.
Total Funding: $1000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: less than 1%
Project Description: NCKLS develops and maintains programming kits for all ages to save library staff time and effort in creating programming materials. NCKLS consulting staff continually updates and showcases the programming kits to library staff to encourage use of materials to enhance library programming in the communities we serve. NCKLS Storytime kits contain books, songs, fingerplays and craft ideas for creating 2-3 storytime programs around a central theme. 21 Storytime kits are available for use. NCKLS’s Maker Kits contain projects and books that provide
libraries with the opportunity to experiment with the Maker Space movement. The included materials create four or five different projects for an experience-based program where teens and tweens learn how different things work and can try their hands at something new. Six MakerSpace kits are available for use.
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries: On Demand–requests can be made by phone, email, and visits with a NCKLS consultant. Kits are shipped by courier when possible. Delivery and pick-up is arranged with member library in cases where courier is not an option.
Reduction in funding: Overdue fines are not charged, member libraries are charged replacement price for items not returned after 6 months.
Project Name: NorCat Consortium Subsidy
Eligible Libraries: Legally established public libraries located within a NCKLS taxing county. Legally established public libraries with a current NCKLS contract for services.
Total Funding: $15,000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 100%
Project Description: Support for 29 public libraries participating in a shared regional ILS catalog. NCKLS will provide a dedicated staff member to assist libraries with ILS issues. This staff member will troubleshoot, train and improve the ILS for the staff and patrons of the libraries that participate.
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries: Annual fees are based on library funding according to the size of the institutional budget. All members are considered equal regardless of size. NCKLS covers remaining charges for hosting and support from ByWater Solutions. Participation fees are determined by the Executive Committee of NCKLS and subject to change annually.
| Library funding-Taxing | NorCat Member Fee |
| Under $25,000 | $125 |
| $25,000-$50,000 | $250 |
| $50,000-$100,000 | $500 |
| $100,000-$200,000 | $750 |
| Over $200,000 | $1,000 |
| Library funding-Contracting | NorCat Member Fee |
| Under $25,000 | $250 |
| $25,000-$50,000 | $500 |
| $50,000-$100,000 | $750 |
| $100,000-$350,000 | $1000 |
| Over $350,000 | $1500 |
Reduction in funding occurs if participating libraries fail to uphold participation agreement. The library agrees to follow NorCat policies and conditions:
- NorCat member libraries agree to share their collection with other libraries using the NorCat system. If materials are not shared, then materials can not be requested from within the NorCat system. Sharing levels are identified as:
- Open sharing–Resource sharing is expected on 90% of the total collection. Sharing is expected regardless of where the borrower is registered. Sharing is immediate upon the item being cataloged. Libraries must be members of the Kansas Library Express courier to participate.
- No sharing—No holds are allowed from patrons outside of the home library. Patrons can not place holds on other library collections within NorCat. Staff can not place holds on other library collections within NorCat. All sharing is done through the Kansas ILL community using the ShareIT platform.
- Libraries will purchase items that are in demand in their communities including but not limited to multiple copies of print and non-print materials.
- The library director of each member library is responsible for ensuring that all staff and volunteers at their library follow all NorCat policies including the patron privacy and confidentiality statement. Libraries will have signed agreements on file for all current and active staff.
Project Name: Technology Grant
Eligible Libraries: Legally established public libraries in a NCKLS taxing county.
Total Funding: $31,000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 55%
Project Description: The purpose of this grant is to help libraries meet Kanas Public Library Guidelines for technology. Funds may be used to update software and hardware to support or improve access to online resources and state-wide collections, automation, cabling, wiring and expansion of Internet services.
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries: An application form is found on the NCKLS website.
Reduction in funding occurs if projects are not completed within timeframe, unspent/unused funds must be returned to NCKLS.
Project Name: Technology Support Service/Subsidy
Eligible Libraries: Any public library located within a NCKLS taxing county. Legally established public libraries with a current NCKLS contract for services.
Total Funding: $15,000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 26%
Project Description: NCKLS supports member libraries with technology support.
Services include but not limited to:
- Training
- Computer and Printer Repair
- Filtering management
- Software
- Equipment installation
- Network Management
- Purchasing
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries: On Demand: NCKLS maintains a fleet of vehicles and technology consultants are issued system cell phones. Technology support can take place in-person, phone, email, screen connect, Zoom, text or chat platforms.
Reduction in funding occurs when hardware, software and supplies costs are charged to library at vendor costs.
Project Name: Erate consulting service
Eligible Libraries: Legally established public libraries located within a NCKLS taxing county. Legally established public libraries with a current NCKLS contract for services.
Total Funding: $5,600
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 10%
Project Description: NCKLS contracts with eRate Solutions to file for discounts for our member libraries for internet service and internal connections.
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries:
| Taxing County | Contracting County | |
| Internet Service | NCKLS pays up to $250 of yearly fee | NCKLS pays up to $150 of yearly fee |
| Category 2 expense | Charged to the library | Charged to the library |
Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalties to those that do not use these services.
Project Name: Website Hosting Services and WordPress Service/Subsidy
Eligible Libraries: Any public library located within a NCKLS taxing county. Legally established public libraries with a current NCKLS contract for services, included in the base fee on the contract for service.
Total Funding: $5,000
What percentage of funding is allocated for this project: 9%
Project Description: NCKLS supports the Kansas Public Library Guideline that public libraries have an accessible public website that contains current information about library services and programs. The website includes access to the library’s online public access catalog (OPAC) and information about the library’s hours, operations, library board, contact information, and policies.
Detailed explanation of how funding is allocated to libraries: NCKLS purchases server space and offers technology support for WordPress. NCKLS employs a Technology Trainer that works with member library staff to create and maintain local library websites. The Technology Trainer will maintain websites for Gateway libraries that need extra assistance.
Reduction in funding: no reimbursement or penalties to those that do not use this service.
Tentative Budget
- Include a legible tentative budget for the plan year below. Do not include watermarks.
| Expenses | 2024 Actual | 2025 Budget | 2026 Estimated Budget |
| Personnel | $548,772 | $590,000 | $600,000 |
| Operations | $149,024 | $189,500 | $165,255 |
| Direct Services | |||
| Processing Center | $80,590 | $25,000 | $5,000 |
| Consulting Travel | $5,564 | $8,000 | $8,000 |
| Digital Access | $30,000 | $30,000 | $31,000 |
| ILS Consortium | $0 | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Member Travel | $4,356 | $5,000 | $0 |
| Board Travel | $0 | $0 | $3,000 |
| Movie License | $12,164 | $4,256 | $4,000 |
| Rotating Van | $11,285 | $12,000 | $12,000 |
| Summer Programming | $0 | $0 | $3,300 |
| Technology Support | $8,867 | $20,000 | $18,000 |
| Telecommunications | $6,563 | $15,000 | $6,000 |
| Web Hosting | $0 | $0 | $5,000 |
| Workshops/Meetings | $4,365 | $7,000 | $7,000 |
| Grants | |||
| Collections Grant | $102,220 | $125,000 | $120,000 |
| Competitive Grant | $34,963 | $0 | $0 |
| Continuing Ed Grant | $4,873 | $6,000 | $8,000 |
| Courier/Postage Grant | $28,939 | $47,000 | $65,000 |
| Extended Service Grant | $33,048 | $33,000 | $65,000 |
| Programming Grant | $5,573 | $6,000 | $6,000 |
| Service Improvement | $20,734 | $22,000 | $0 |
| Technology Grant | $26,923 | $32,000 | $34,500 |
| Materials | |||
| Downloadables | $42,263 | $55,000 | $40,000 |
| Large type books | $19,829 | $25,000 | $0 |
| Professional Collection | $0 | $0 | $1,000 |
| Rotating Books | $27,383 | $33,000 | $50,000 |
| Youth Literacy Kits | $424 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Capital Improvement | |||
| Expense | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Transfer | $50,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Employee Benefits Fund | $215,539 | $352,600 | $320,000 |
| Total Expense | $1,424,251 | $1,658,356 | $1,643,055 |
System Description
General Description
The North Central Kansas Library System is one of seven Regional Systems of Cooperative Libraries. Regional Systems are charged with the responsibility of strengthening all types of libraries within a defined region and serving all residents of that region.
NCKLS supports resource sharing by connecting and empowering libraries to enhance the quality of life within the communities we serve.
NCKLS includes 12 counties covering 9,271 square miles, with a total service population of 234,588 residents. NCKLS is comprised of the counties of Washington, Clay, Dickinson, Marion, Marshall, Riley, Pottawatomie, Geary, Wabaunsee, Morris, Chase, and Lyon.
NCKLS members include 38 legally established public libraries, four college/university libraries, seven school districts, one special library and 6 outlets. Outlets provide basic library service points in communities that are generally too small to support a public library.
Counties, Population, Libraries
Taxing Counties: Taxing counties levy a system tax on areas that are not already served by a legally established public library. NCKLS includes eight taxing counties with 31 legally established public libraries and six outlets (designated with *). Outlet locations provide basic library service points in communities that are generally too small to support a public library.
| County | Population | Library name |
| Chase | 2,598 | Burnley Memorial Library |
| Clay | 8,077 | Clay Center Carnegie Library |
| Clifton Public Library | ||
| Frank Dieter Memorial Library, Longford * | ||
| Julie Thomas Memorial Library, Morganville* | ||
| Wakefield Public Library | ||
| Dickinson | 18,459 | Abilene Public Library |
| Chapman Public Library | ||
| Enterprise Public Library | ||
| Herington Public Library | ||
| Hope Community Library | ||
| Solomon Public Library | ||
| Talmage/Buckeye Township Public Library* | ||
| Marion | 11,712 | Burns Public Library |
| Florence Public Library | ||
| Goessel Public Library | ||
| Hillsboro Public Library | ||
| Marion City Library | ||
| Peabody Township Library | ||
| Marshall | 9,979 | Axtell Public Library |
| Beattie Public Library* | ||
| Blue Rapids Public Library | ||
| Frankfort City Library | ||
| Marysville Public Library | ||
| Vermillion Public Library | ||
| Waterville Public Library | ||
| Morris | 5,356 | Council Grove Public Library |
| Dwight Public Library | ||
| Elm Creek Township Library | ||
| White City Public Library | ||
| Riley | 72,208 | Leonardville Public Library |
| Manhattan Public Library | ||
| Ogden City Library* | ||
| Riley City Library | ||
| Washington | 5,511 | Greenleaf Public Library* |
| Hanover Public Library | ||
| Washington Public Library |
Population source: https://budget.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023_Kansas_Certified_Population-07.01.2024.pdf
Contracting Libraries:
Contracting libraries are in four counties that do not levy a system tax. Contract fees and services are reviewed annually by the Executive Committee and approved by the System Board. There are seven contracting public libraries in the following non-taxing counties:
| County | Population | Library name |
| Geary | 35,934 | Dorothy Bramlage Public Library-serving the county population |
| Lyon | 31,998 | Americus Township Library |
| Elmendaro Township Library | ||
| Emporia Public Library | ||
| Lyon County Library District #1 | ||
| Pottawatomie | 21,530 | Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Libraries (PWRL)-a single entity in two counties |
| 4,844 | Wamego-not a part of PWRL and contracts with NCKLS independently. | |
| Wabaunsee | 7,057 | PWRL-serving county population |
Population source: https://budget.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023_Kansas_Certified_Population-07.01.2024.pdf
Governance
NCKLS System Board and Executive Committee
The System Board is the governing body of the North Central Kansas Library System by authority of K.S.A. 75-2550.
The System Board meets annually and is made up of:
- One library representative from each member library.
- Eight county appointees representing the areas outside the district of any participating library, but within the taxing counties.
Each library has voting rights depending on their type of system membership:
- Representatives from libraries in taxing counties can vote annually on the System Plan of Service, the budget and the executive committee leadership.
- County appointees can vote annually on the System Plan of Service, the budget and the executive committee leadership.
- Representatives from contracting libraries can vote annually on the System Plan of Service and the executive committee leadership.
- Service outlets and affiliate members can vote annually on the System Plan of Service.
All representatives are appointed by the trustees or governing authority of each participating library or taxing county.
The authority of the Executive Committee is granted in K.S.S. 75-2550a. The Executive Committee includes 14 elected members and is made up of:
- One member elected by the System Board from each of the 12 counties in the region
- Two elected from the county appointees that are appointed by the boards of county commissions in the 8 taxing counties
The Executive Committee meets at least 6 times a year and oversees the Director and financial operations. They annually review and approve a proposed budget, a proposed plan of service, and annually form a nominating committee to put forward candidates for officer election to the Executive Committee. Annually, the System Board votes on the President, Vice President and Treasurer positions on the Executive Committee. This committee also updates the NCKLS Bylaws periodically and proposes such changes to the System Board. NCKLS’s current bylaws are available at http://lib.nckls.org/bylaws/.
Building & Infrastructure
NCKLS is located at 2316 Skyvue Lane in Manhattan. The system moved to this location in January 2025. The system board rents a 9,000 square foot building. The system board maintains a fleet of 3 vehicles: 1 large Transit van to deliver rotating books and 2 small SUV’s for consultant travel.