Thu Sep 02 2010
By JENNY DERRINGER
A reduction in hours of operation, staff and material purchases are possibilities as library boards are scrambling to deal with losses in state revenue.
Libraries have had a continued decrease in state funding since 2001, but they took a big hit in the latest state bienium budget. The 251 library systems in Ohio are facing a total of $84 million in cuts for 2010 and 2011.
The board of trustees at Paulding County Carnegie Library met in July to discuss the cuts that would be needed to meet the 20 percent decrease in funding from 2008 due to the failing economy and the resulting revenue losses, explained director Susan Pieper.
"Although at this time they could have laid off employees, they are trying hard to save all jobs as long as possible," she noted.
Cuts implemented effective July 13 included: All library locations would be closed on Saturdays in addition to one other day per week, a five-hour cut in pay by staff; and the end of materials purchasing.
Those cuts were made due to the projected $135,278 in funding from 2008-09, in addition to recent cuts made by lawmakers.
"The funding situation for our public library in 2010 is very bleak," stressed Pieper. "Projected funding for the Paulding County Carnegie Library will be over $55,000 less than 2009 for a total loss of revenue of over $190,000 for 2010. This is on top of the freezes and cuts the library has endured since 2001."
Pieper explained that the board opted to cover any remaining deficit "with their dwindling capital improvement savings."
The Paulding library and its branches will now be open four days a week. Concerning staffing, Pieper stated that two staff members resigned because of the budget constraints, meaning "existing staff will be stretched to the max."
Because of the funding issues, no additional programs or storytimes will be planned.
The Paulding board now has more reason to place a library levy on the ballot in Nov. 3. It was defeated in 2008 by approximately 600 votes.
"The funding crisis is worse than had been anticipated," explained Pieper, "so it will be vital that the citizens understand the value of their public library. If the levy in November does not pass, the board will be forced to make more drastic cuts that may include additional branch hour cuts or closings, laying off employees, cutting the main library back more hours with less employees. No new materials, no upgrades or repairs to computers, etc...."
Paulding's board of trustees will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday to finalize levy plans and also discuss the possibility of further cuts.
The news is no better in Napoleon.
"Our library board met on July 21 and started to talk about the possibilities, but no decisions have been made," said Pam Lieser, director of Napoleon Public Library. The board is scheduled to meet again on Sept. 1 to come up with budget cut scenarios.
Among options, said Lieser, include cutting hours or days of operation, staff and materials budget. Raising fees is also an option.
Defiance Public Library's board of trustees discussed the impact of state funding at its regular board meeting last Tuesday. Director Marilyn Hite noted that the finance committee will review the reduction in revenue and report back with proposals at the September meeting.
Hite reported that for 2009, the Defiance Public Library system (which includes Defiance Public Library, Johnson Memorial Library in Hicksville and Sherwood Branch Library) will see a reduction of $264,122 from the Ohio Department of Taxation. For 2010, there will be a reduction of $373,139.
The state budget recently passed for 2010-11 shows an 11 percent cut in the Public Library Fund.
Hite stressed that already this year, Ohio libraries have seen a 20 percent loss in tax revenues due to economic conditions for a 31 percent loss in funding.
"We have never seen a reinstatement of government funding once it has been cut in the state of Ohio and we do not wish to operate on the hope that those funds will be reinstated in the future. We must prepare ourselves now to continue with reduced funding in the future," stated Hite.
So until the local library's financial committee reports back in September, the board is not rushing into cutbacks just yet.
"We have a bit of an advantage over many other library systems in Ohio in that we have levy monies that will help cushion us until we make final cuts," said Dave Plant, finance committee member. "That allows us to make these decisions carefully and with the public's input."
Surveys will be available at all three library branches in Defiance County, as well as online seeking public input. Results will be reviewed by the finance committee and used to decide on final cuts.
"We know that services, programs and hours will have to be examined in all three locations, but exactly what cuts will be considered is not yet known. We will inform the public of any changes as soon as possible," added Hite.
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