Bloggers weigh in on library cuts
The Naperville Public Library is consistently at the top of the list of best libraries in the country.
However, it has seen a reduction in its tax levy two years in a row, dropping six percent in 2009 and nearly seven percent in 2010.
Officials are being asked by the city to cut $1.1 million from the library budget to help eliminate the city's deficit. The library is proposing to use $500,000 from its operations fund, as well as a request that the city waive the library paying $150,000 into Naperville's IMRF and health insurance fund. Other proposals include cutting Sunday hours, discontinuing "premium pay" on Sundays and cutting staff.
Previously the library had been forced to cut many programs, book clubs and other events many residents had enjoyed, along with buying fewer books and reducing time materials can be checked out.
The Sun asked readers of its Potluck Blog what they think of the proposed cuts to the library and if it can maintain its quality with all the reductions. Here are some of the responses.
"In times such as these, the library is the last thing that should be cut back. It is cheap and wholesome leisure entertainment for the entire family." -- Anonymous "I think premium pay for Sundays is something the library should never have offered in the first place. And I don't understand the necessity for many of the capital improvements projects the NPL is currently undertaking, as they sound like cosmetic changes. Why do circulation desks need to be replaced, for example? Or the lower level lobby flooring at Naper Blvd.? I know the money for these projects comes from a different 'envelope' than the library's normal operating budget, but ultimately, pretty much all of the library's funding comes from the taxpayers. You would think that in the current economic climate they would think twice before committing to some of these projects." -- John Q. Public "(With) the economy turn a turn a couple of years ago, I started using the library more. Rather than buying a new or used book off Amazon, I would 'borrow' it from the library. We have also borrowed movies quite inexpensively. The library being open on Sunday is often the only chance I have to get there. Saturdays are spent running errands and shuttling my daughter to various activities. During the week, getting home shortly after 6 p.m., if there are no school activities, I am certainly not in the mood to run to the library. So please don't cut Sunday hours! Rather than paying employees a premium on Sundays, why not adjust employee hours (to avoid premium pay) or hire part-timers to work on Sundays? I would suggest that some of the cultural fund/tax be given to the library. I think that would be a great use of the money. The library adds to the culture of our city." -- Diane G. "My family frequents the library on a regular basis for books, reference material, magazines, DVDs and CDs. Often my children will have group projects that require research, which is done at the library on Sundays as that is usually the day when everyone can get away for a couple hours. I would hate to see Sundays eliminated at the libraries in town. I think the suggestion regarding hiring part-time workers to supplement the full-time employees is a good idea. I know at least the 95th Street location has meeting rooms which can be booked for private meetings, and wonder if there is a fee for the room usage. If not, even a nominal rental fee would assist the library with funding. Also, maybe charging a nominal fee for the programs it offers its patrons would help replenish funds -- at least until the economy turns around." -- Conscientious Observer What do you think? Comment at www.napersun.com/potluck.
