MARYSVILLE — No additional hours, no new computer stations, and longer waits for new books are among the cutbacks that could be noticed by library users in Snohomish and Island counties next year.
The Sno-Isle Library system is having to cut its planned 2009 budget by more than $2.2 million, from about $40.4 million to $38.1 million. Blame dropping tax revenues and rising costs, officials said.
“We’re looking at how to provide good services and keep our libraries open with basically less money,” Sno-Isle director Jonalyn Woolf-Ivory said.
The district has made the reductions in its planned budget for materials, maintenance, building improvements and equipment.
Sno-Isle, based in Marysville, funds its 21 libraries in the two counties with taxes on property and new construction. The district cannot collect more than 1 percent more property tax than the previous year, but the cost of materials, fuel and benefits is rising, officials said.
Also, new construction is slowing, Woolf-Ivory said. The district’s tax revenue already has dropped by $200,000 in 2008. Officials aren’t yet sure what will happen in 2009.
On the flip side, tough economic times tend to spur more library use, the director said. People buy fewer books and computers during those times, she said.
“I would suspect we’ll see more of our current population coming in and using the library,” Woolf-Ivory said.
Sno-Isle already has heard from many customers who would like to see hours increased, she said, but that won’t happen. No new staff positions will be added, she said.
Still, Sno-Isle wanted to make sure it didn’t have to cut staff, either, so reductions came in other areas. Additions to book and DVD collections won’t be made as quickly, and while faulty computers will be repaired or replaced, no new stations will be added.
Also, the district is dipping into its $3.7 million reserve fund. It plans to use about $800,000, Woolf-Ivory said.
Reporter Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439 or sheets@heraldnet.com.
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