2010 Library Budget - possible cuts

In the last few days there has been significant media attention regarding possible cuts to the library budget in 2010. (Here is a link to the story on KHQ) About a month ago the State Library sent out a survey to library directors asking us if we were facing any budget cuts. I responded that SPL might have to cut as much as 4% of the budget if other measures were not found to reduce the projected shortfall to the general fund in 2010. This is accurate information and is the number I was given by the City. 4% of our current budget is $316,188. The City asked all departments to do an exercise to determine what that would mean to us. The library runs a very lean department and we don’t have any fluff to cut so we would have to trim just about everything in order to obtain that dollar amount. The State Library sent out a news release yesterday with the survey information and that’s what prompted the media attention. Media attention can be a good thing and can help us get the message out that we have no more room for cuts.

The cost to operate a neighborhood branch (ES, HY, IT) in 2009 is in the vicinity of $176,000 so in talking to the City I used that as an example of what a cut that big could mean to the library. This is just a budget exercise so that the City can better understand what a 4% cut could mean to the various departments. Cuts will be inevitable in 2010 but exactly how big they are and how they are achieved is anyone’s guess. I believe that our Library Board will do everything in its power to make cuts without affecting public services, but it truly depends on the size of the cut whether that is possible or not.

Please know that no decisions have been made and it’s too early to know what the actual budget situation will be in 2010. What can you do to help?  Please contact the Mayor and the City Council to express your opinion, let them know how much you value the library and what you use it for. Your feedback is far more powerful than feedback from staff.

Thank you.

Pat Partovi, Library Director