Beech Grove Public Library Forced to Cut Hours and Services

 

Major changes are coming to the Beech Grove Public Library in 2010 due to the effects of the Circuit Breaker on property taxes, according to Board of Trustees President, Sr. Mary Luke Jones, OSB. At their regular meeting on November 12, 2009, the board finalized a reduction in hours of service, staffing and of the budgets for materials.

 

 

“We are obligated to reduce spending to live within our means,” shared Jones. “We made adjustments in our staffing, hours and budgets for the current 2009 year and now we are forced to make deeper reductions as the impact doubles for 2010. The board members regret the loss of local jobs and hours of work for several long- time staff members along with the reduced service to the public.”

 

 

The new library service hours will be Monday thru Thursday opening at 11am and closing at 7pm with Friday and Saturday’s hours being from 11am until 3pm. Library Director Diane Burns commented “We know many patrons will find the new operating hours to be an unwelcome change but the reductions are necessary to meet the new financial realities. Hours of service will drop to 40, down from the previous 60 hours of service in 2008.

 

The impact of the reduction in property taxes lowers the bills of the taxpayers but does result in less financial support for the library. The library operating budget will be reduced by about 35% or about $300,000.”

 

“Many programs and services will be reduced or eliminated as we move into 2010,” shared treasurer William Fennema. “We are going to focus on our core mission of providing current, well-selected materials for our residents albeit with reduced hours of service.  We will seek additional support from gifts and grants to the library, increased volunteer activities and new strategies of providing service.”