The State Aid to Public Libraries Fund, established by the NC General Assembly in 1941, promotes, aids, and equalizes public library service in North Carolina. The State Library of North Carolina administers these funds, determining eligibility and distributing funds based on a formula. The program aims to ensure professional library management and public access to library services. Eligibility requirements include compliance with state and federal laws, provision of services from a designated facility open at least 40 hours per week, employment of a certified full-time library director, and securing operational funds from local sources. State Aid payments are distributed monthly, with allocations determined in December and July.