The Kent County Public Library (KCPL) has come a long way since the doldrums of summer.
The Trustees held a public forum on September 1 to answer the myriads of questions that Kent County residents had about library management and library debt. Those who attended will remember that while criticism was sharp, the meeting ended on a note that KCPL’s problems will not be solved by criticism. Keys to success are strict management, strong public support of a financially-strapped Library and community encouragement of the steps being taken to correct the financial situation.
So what has taken place since July 1? The library Board of Trustees is working with the county, city, and community to restore order to the library’s operating budget. A plan has been implemented that includes steps to address the deficit and its underlying causes.
None of this is without pain. The plan includes reductions in salaries and hours of operation, institutes a required four and one-half days furlough for staff, and introduces methods for raising revenue. In addition, new procedures address internal controls. KCPL has paid off bills left from fiscal year 2010, become current in our fiscal year 2011 obligations, and plans to reduce the line of credit and other long-term debt in the coming months.
While we have made remarkable progress in the last four months, KCPL is not out of the woods yet. Last year we increased our library collection, but overspent our book budget increasing our debt. Reductions in book purchases must be made in FY 2011 to offset last year’s losses. We ask the public to understand the necessity for us to restore order to our operating budget and work to pay remaining debts.
Support from the community has been tremendous and heartening. It helps the library eliminate the deficit and put the library on solid financial ground. The Friends of the Library donated $5,000 in September and have made other contributions since then; the Chestertown Library, Inc. donated over $6,500; the Town of Rock Hall continues to underwrite our space in its Town Hall; Chestertown Town Council allowed us to reallocate its funds to ease our budget obligations; the town of Galena increased its support and has forgiven the water and sewer bills for the year; the Galena branch landlord made concessions to help keep the branch open; and to help ease cash flow the Maryland State Department of Education changed its schedule of payments and the Eastern Shore Regional Library provided flexibility in use of funds from its Grants to Libraries program. We are grateful for each and every bit of assistance!
On an individual level, Kent County residents are doing even more by supporting the Love the Library campaign. The Hedgelawn Foundation pitched in by offering a matching challenge during the week of November 17-13. The Lover’s campaign shows not only that citizens support the library monetarily, but in spirit as well. What a wonderful boost! Love the Library supporters know that while Libraries provide significant “free” services, they are not free. You may have seen “I love KCPL” buttons around town. If you have one, please wear it! Sincere thanks to the many who have participated with donations large and small. It will take this public support to meet current needs. At the same time individuals help with their donation, they help demonstrate the value they put on the services of Kent County Public Library.
Thanks so much!
Betty Spence
Treasurer
Kent County Public Library
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