In today's uncertain economic times, public libraries are coming under siege. Across the country, libraries are cutting programs, reducing hours of operation and, in some cases, closing altogether. Unfortunately, JCPL is not exempt from these trends.

While library budgets are being reduced, demand for library services continues to increase. More and more people are turning to us to upgrade their computer skills; search and apply for new job opportunities; access books, magazines, movies, CDs and online databases; and meet their daily informational and recreational needs.

If you look at trends over the past 10 years:

• Demand for library services has consistently grown faster than revenues.
• Services are up 50 to 150 percent - or more - in some cases, while revenue is up only 37 percent.

While this is a testament to effective and efficient management, it is not sustainable.

JCPL is facing significant budget challenges. Macro trends in the economic environment have placed considerable pressure on the Library's revenue. In 2008, the library's annual revenue was approximately $28 million. By 2012, the library's revenue is expected to be $24.6 million, for a total reduction of $3.4 million.

If we don't take steps now to balance the library's budget and bring expenses in line with revenues, we'll be spending more than we're bringing in, and we'll exhaust our savings within two years.

In response to these challenges, the Library reduced 2011 operating expenses by:

• Closing JCPL libraries on Mondays.
  
  
• Eliminating staff hours and positions.
  
  
• Trimming expenditures for books, magazines, CDs, DVDs and other library materials.
  
  
• Suspending employee merit increases.

In 2012, if assessed property valuations drop by 4.0 percent (as currently projected), we'll need to cut another $2.0 million from operations. The Board and Staff of JCPL have been working hard to find creative solutions to our budget challenges. Barring unexpected changes in budget assumptions, we believe we have found a path to a sustainable solution for 2012 and beyond. We believe we'll be able to reopen on Mondays and keep all of our libraries open; however, there will be an impact to service levels. Given continued increases in demand, coupled with ongoing reductions in revenue, there's no way we can continue to provide the same level of service we've provided in the past. Short-term options include further reductions to administrative expenses and service hours. Longer term options include evaluating ways to increase revenues.

We need your help! Our State of the Library web site offers information about our budget and funding, with suggestions on how you can help to preserve and protect Library services in Jefferson County. We invite you to join us in ensuring robust and relevant library services for years to come by reading on...

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