How a Library Can Survive a Budget Crisis

1228 Words3 Pages

Libraries are essential to a community especially in difficult times. Due to rising costs and job losses, patrons may have had to cut their own expenses such as buying books or cancelling their internet service. In order to continue to have access to these materials, patrons turn to their libraries. However, libraries are often the first to get cut in budget reforms. A library can survive a budget crisis by making cuts, fundraising, developing trust, and media exposure.

The two types of cuts a library can make is a visible or an invisible one. A visible cut affects the operations of a library. It can be felt throughout the community and can help restore the budget or at least prevent any further cuts. Public awareness of the financial need of a library might make voters more willing to raise taxes to cover costs like in Warren, Michigan.

The city of Warren, Michigan is currently having a debate over whether to hold a special election to raise taxes. The taxes would go toward the prevention of shutting down 3 of the cities library branches. According to The Detroit News, previous tax increase proposals have been turned down by the voters, " Henderstein said library operations have been funded by a tax levy of 0.5 mills since 1957, an amount reduced to 0.4873 mills under the Headlee Amendment. It generates about $2 million annually. Voters denied a proposed tax increase in 1985. The 20-year tax proposal would bring in about $3.4 million each year. Henderstein said the extra money would keep the branches open and allow for expanded hours, additional programs and materials. Until now, Henderstein said the libraries have managed with minimal funds and only eight librarians while experiencing a circulation increase of 33 percent ove...

... middle of paper ...

...6519684.prt

Ferretti, C. (2010, February 1). 3 Warren library branches may shut. The Detroit News. Retrieved February 8, 2010, from http://detnews.com/article/20100201/METRO03/2010322

Fiels, K. (2009). In Tough Economic Times. American Libraries, 40(3), 8. Retrieved February 3, 2010, from Education; Library & Information Science.

Fitzpatrick, S. (2009). Michigan Librarians Speak Out; Governor Granholm Listens. American Libraries, 40(10), 34-35. Retrieved February 3, 2010, from Education; Library & Information Science.

Franz, N. (2010, January 26). Warren mulls tax increase for libraries. The Macomb Daily. Retrieved February 7, 2010, from http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2010/01/26/news/srv0000007429822.prt

Price, L. (2009). Ten Quirky Suggestions. Public Libraries, 48(5), 19-21. Retrieved February 4, 2010, from Education; Library & Information Science.

Open Document