§9344. Incentive aid to local libraries.

(a) Allocation.--For eligible fiscal years up to and through the 1998-1999 fiscal year, 25% of the Commonwealth's total annual appropriation for the system of State aid established under section 9333 (relating to State system of aid to libraries), or a minimum of 25¢ per capita for each person residing in the direct service areas of the libraries which qualify for incentive aid, shall be allocated as incentive aid.

(b) Incentive aid.--

(1) Any local library or library system which makes a minimum financial effort equal to one-half mill, or $2 per capita for each person residing in its direct service area, whichever is less, and fulfills the minimum standards for local libraries or the minimum standards for library systems, whichever is applicable, shall qualify for incentive aid, which shall be in addition to all other amounts of aid provided under this section.

(2) Each qualifying library or library system shall receive incentive aid up to 50¢ for each $1 of surplus financial effort, but, if 50¢ per $1 of surplus financial effort is more than 25¢ per capita, the minimum incentive aid shall be 25¢ per capita for each person residing in the direct service area. If, after paying the minimum amount set forth under this section, there is a balance in the allocation, the balance shall be prorated among the libraries and library systems which qualify for a larger amount of aid at the rate of 50¢ for each $1 of surplus financial effort rather than at the rate of 25¢ per capita.