The reduced hours at the Oakes-Beitman Library in Pleasant Hill will be 12 p.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Fri.; and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. Hours at the Local History Library will not change because of the huge number of volunteers.
There also will be a significant reduction in hours for staff, including a voluntary reduction in salary by the director.
“We went through our budget line-item by line-item and have made a significant amount of reductions, including more than 100 hours in staff time,” said Rachelle Miller, library director. “Nobody wants to do this, but revenue from the state has continued to decline since 2001. Our options are gone.
Libraries are funded by a percentage of Ohio’s general tax revenue. Decreases in state tax revenue equal decreases in library funding. Troy-Miami County Public Library’s estimated receipts for 2009 are expected to be less than they were in 2008 by $118,330. Since 2007, the Library’s revenue has decreased by $149,454.
Cuts in spending have been made over the past few years, but these cuts combined with the increase in costs for materials have not been enough to combat the decrease in revenue. The state legislature changed Library funding for 2008 and beyond by enacting legislation that funds libraries from the state’s general tax revenue.
Prior to that, the Library had consistently seen less money from the state since 2001. The change in funding was seen as a step in the right direction, however the downturn in the economy was not predicted and when the economy flounders and the state’s general tax revenue decreases, so does library funding.
If the economy continues to decline, library revenue will decrease as well.
While receipts are down, usage continues to increase. Unfortunately, the library’s materials budget has suffered. Spending for materials for 2009 will be at least $87,725 less than 2008. In 2000, the library spent more than $300,000 in materials. This year, less than $200,000 will be spent which translates to less books and DVDs being purchased.
“We are working on a plan to generate additional income because, if we get the amount of money as estimated by the Department of Taxation, we will still have a shortfall,” Miller said.
Library staff are creating “Wish Lists” for materials and supplies which will be shared with the public. And, a board member has pledged $1,000 to start a Patrons of the Library Fund at Fifth Third Bank. The library also has an endowment through the Troy Foundation that was started last fall.
“This is a trying time for everyone and unfortunately we are not immune to the changes in the economy. We’re going to do what we can for the community but we do ask for patience as the staff adjusts to the changes.”