MPL Board Approves 2008 Budget, Looks At Decreased Funding Issues
Posted
Staff Report-
MILFORD - The Milford Public Library Board met Sept. 17 at 5 p.m. for their regular monthly meeting.
The budget for 2008 was adopted. The requested amount for the General Operating Fund is $251,199; Library Capital Projects is $30,000; and Library Improvement Reserve Fund for $20,000. Due to decreasing funding for the library, several budget cuts are expected.
The library received $106,932 County Option Income Tax dollars in 2004. In 2006 the library received only $68,804 COIT dollars; a decrease of $38,128. This income was not replaced by another, so the budget needs to be cut in order to spend less than what was brought in. This means the library will have to cut its hours, staff and some programming. It is important for patrons to fill out a survey for the library during September.
Answers will help make the difficult decisions about what will be eliminated.
The Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Local Government Reform is looking at libraries, schools and townships to see what can be consolidated or eliminated to save Indiana money. At this time, no decisions have been reached about what to do with libraries, but a couple of the options suggested are that any public library serving a population of less than 10,000 (Milford serves 4,597) merge with a library already serving 10,000.
Some people say Indiana should have county-wide library systems. Instead of having 239 independent public libraries, the library would have 92 county library systems (Milford would become a branch or close). Another option is to close all libraries serving a population of 5,000 or less. Milford Public Library wants its patrons to be aware of this situation. As further information becomes available, the library will share it via the local newspapers. If you have any questions, contact the library.
Surveys are available at the circulation desks. Patrons only need to fill out the survey one time. The library is hoping to find out what hours and services are most important to patrons as the library looks at making some cuts due to budget restrictions. There is space on the back of the survey for comments and concerns from patrons. This information will help complete the long-range plan for the library.
This week's dial-a-story at the Milford Public Library changes Wednesday to "Why the Evergreen Trees Keep Their Leaves in Winter." Call 574-658-9540 to hear the story.
Scrapbooking with Michelle will be Oct. 1 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the library meeting room. Bring supplies.
Lapsit with Tina will be Tuesdays in October at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. The first lapsit will be Oct. 2. Call and sign-up today.
Preschool Story Time for ages 2-6 will be Wednesdays starting Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. in the library meeting room. Story time will be an eight-week session. Sign up at the children's desk.
Early Childhood Alliance Book Buddies will be Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the library meeting room.
Family Movie Day will be Oct. 10 at 4 p.m. in the library meeting room. The movie is about a penguin that leaves his family to go into surfing to be the champion. At 85 minutes long, the movie is rated PG. Snacks will be provided.
The library will have the third annual Lights Out at the Library on Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. If you would like to donate bags of candy for this event, drop them off at the adult desk.
