Anderson Public Library looks at deep cuts

dave.stafford@heraldbulletin.com

ANDERSON - In an effort to balance its books in a tough economy, the public library system is preparing for some dire scenarios that could include closing the Lapel branch, suspending Bookmobile operations or reducing staff.

"Everything's on the table," said Anderson Public Library Executive Director Sarah Later. "Because the property tax situation is unknown, we have to look at every service."

Later said the library board on Wednesday will be presented with several cost-cutting options, though no decisions are expected to be made until next year's revenue is known, probably in the fall.

Tuesday at the Lapel branch, patrons were dismayed about the possibility of the library closing.

"It stinks," said Marsha Myer, who was at the branch with her daughter, Shelby, a recent graduate of Lapel High School who's bound for Purdue University. Shelby was using the library's computers as the home PC wasn't working.

"It's not everybody that can go to Anderson to use the library," Marsha Myer said, noting that many Lapel users live within walking distance.

One of them is Jeremiah Jones, who sometimes uses the library "three or four times a day" for Internet downloads.

"A lot of people come here to study," he said while using one of the library's computers on Tuesday.

Hayley Williams, who will be a Lapel High School junior next year, read a magazine at the library on Tuesday and said she often visits to read and use the computers. "I come a couple of times a month," she said.

The libraries already have trimmed expenses this year after revenue was $390,000 less than the approved budget of almost $5.3 million.

Later noted several cost reductions that already have been made to meet this year's shortfall. Among them:

• The Lapel branch was closed on Saturdays.

• Spending on books and materials was reduced; 75 magazine and 15 newspaper subscriptions were cut.

• The Anderson Library extension building was closed last week and its services moved into the main library building.

• Employee health insurance was changed to a less-expensive carrier.

• Cleaning services were canceled.

• An 18-month-old hiring freeze remains in effect. There are 93 library employees and 14 open positions.

Later said the 2010 preliminary budget estimate is nearly $750,000 less than the current year's approved budget. Funding at that level would require the tough choices the board will be presented today.

"We're trying to be good stewards of the taxpayers' dollars," Later said. "The next round of cuts are going to be board decisions and they are going to impact customers and staff."

Later said the future cuts would be coming at a difficult time, because the need for library services has risen with the downturn in the economy. She said the library is seeing a demand from people who've lost their jobs and need a librarian's assistance to put together résumés or apply for jobs online.

She said on a recent walk through the Anderson Library, "almost every single computer was being used.

"We know that we're vital to the community. We appreciate how much the community is using us. Our summer reading program started June 1, and the building is crowded almost every day," she said.

"I'm grateful to our customers and hope they will support us during this difficult time."