Joining an expanding parade of people, places, and things facing funding cuts these days, the Washington County Public Library board is reviewing how it will cope with 6 percent to 8 percent less funds in 2009.
"We were frozen (in funding) for four years, but it looked like it was getting better," said Richard Murdock, president of the library board. "Then recession started kicking in."
Good news that a four-year freeze on funding would end turned sour earlier this week when library officials learned state funding for its library would actually be cut from $2.339 million to $2.152 million.
"Ninety five percent of our funding comes from the state," said Murdock. "We are looking at ways to tighten our budget for 2009."
Justin Mayo, library director, said Thursday that he is preparing a list of options for the board to consider. Preliminary decisions will be made by the middle of November, with final decisions on the budget due in December, he said.
"The past three years have been the hardest ever on libraries in the state of Ohio," Mayo said. "We did not anticipate a 6 to 8 percent decrease in funding."
The local library budget had already been trimmed 3 percent, he said.
One huge impact of the announced cuts will be a new building program - abandoned for now.
"I won't be searching for land to build and we'll put any new construction on hold," Mayo said.
Months ago Mayo and the board discussed the need for a new library facility in Marietta, while preserving the current building on Fifth Street. Mayo was actively seeking land for building.
"People call us about lack of parking here and lack of space. We do the best we can do," Mayo said. "Times are tough. I'd love for the public to know that we are trying."
Murdock agreed that any plans for a new building are on hold.
"New information shows potentially less money from the state," he said. "I don't envision any way we can move toward new construction any time soon."
The Washington County Public Library includes the main library, 615 Fifth St., the history and genealogy department at Washington and Fifth streets, with branch facilities at Barlow, Beverly, Belpre, and New Matamoras.
In an earlier interview, before the state cuts were announced, Mayo said no programs or people would be impacted by the then anticipated 3 percent reduction in funding for the new year.
There are about 60 to 65 employees of the library.
Hours had already been reduced in the history and genealogy department when a 6 p.m. closing Wednesday and Thursday replaced an 8:30 department closing.
"I did not receive one phone call from a patron about the earlier closing hours," Mayo said. "I don't think there was a lot of call for the later hours anyway."
No employee hours were cut in that earlier move, he said.
Mayo has no plans today for any new reductions, but said they will likely come from materials, such as books and programs - not personnel.
"That would be the first area to cut," he said of materials.
Area library bookmobiles are just one program, along with numerous children's programs.
The public can help out the library by volunteering, Mayo said.
"We need volunteers at the main library and every branch. Volunteers are always good."
Donations to the library are happily accepted, as well as public attendance at used book sales, which help the library continue programs, he said.
A used book sale, sponsored by Marietta Friends of the Library, begins at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and continues 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday. On Tuesday, used books are $1.50 a bag.
Proceeds go to programs at the library, Mayo said.
Curiously, as the economy falters and stagnates, the public library is actually realizing more regular use, Mayo said.
"We've started to see quite an increase in foot traffic," he said. "There is increased use of the computers, more DVDs and books are being checked out."
Richard Thomas is the newest member of the library board, beginning his second year.
He said because of funding cuts, he is concerned about all areas of the library.
"I like to see a full-service library and staff," he said. "I have confidence in Justin's (Mayo) judgment. He will be very fair in his recommendations."
Thomas said the library today, given the funding issues, is a "work in progress."
"We must all work together," he said.
