(a) A public library system may be approved for State aid, pursuant to the provisions of subparagraph (6) of paragraph (f) of subdivision (1) of section 273 of the Education Law, provided that it meets the criteria for eligibility set forth in such paragraph of the Education Law and submits an application on a form prescribed by the department.

(b) Determining system's population that does not reside within the chartered service area of a member library. Each public library system shall provide to the department documentation of the population within the area served by the system which does not reside in the chartered area of a member library.