For state aid to regional public libraries; provided, that the board of library commissioners may provide quarterly advances of funds as it deems appropriate under clauses (1) and (3) of
section 19C of chapter 78 of the General Laws to regional public library systems throughout each fiscal year, in compliance with the office of the comptroller's regulations on state grants, 815 C.M.R. 2.00; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, in calculating the fiscal year 2026 distribution of funds appropriated in this item, the board shall employ the population figures used to calculate the fiscal year 2025 distribution; provided further, that the board shall provide funds for the continued operation of a single regional library system to serve the different geographic regions of the commonwealth; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the library for the commonwealth shall receive not less than 47.5 cents for each resident of the commonwealth; and provided further, that said amount shall not exceed 25 per cent of the amount appropriated under this item