The Trustees of the Kent County Library are beginning their second calendar year, and we want to share with our patrons and the citizens of Kent County two accomplishments of the past year, the challenges that face the Library and give thanks for the marvelous support of the community. Our accomplishments of the past year include the appointment of a fine, experienced Director Jackie Adams; she brings enthusiasm and skill to our community and is spearheading the celebration of our 50th anniversary year. Secondly, the Library is out of financial peril and well on its way to a solid position, with a reserve that begins to insulate the Library from some future unexpected adversities that might occur.
We are in the process of preparing the FY2013 budget. FY2012 budget was made when the new Library Board was entirely fresh to its job. The Board’s major objective last year was to maintain library services to Kent County at the current level. That task has been met and surpassed. How was that possible? For FY2012 the county maintained their funding at the FY2011 level. While a portion of the state funding was reduced, the support from the Eastern Shore Regional Library (which provides a major portion of our materials budget) was maintained, and they allowed us to carry over from FY2011 some unspent funds. The collection of fees increased, certain savings in budget items occurred (which were not predicted), and the public was most generous in their support. Therefore, the Board and Director will be able to address needs we did not envision would be possible with predicted FY 2012 budgetary constraints: the computers in the main and branch libraries need to go on a realistic replacement schedule, and the funding of new materials needs to come back to a healthy percentage of our budget so we continue to keep pace, grow and improve.
We are beginning our FY2013 budget work under the guidance of the Director, but of course the final decision on spending will be made by the Board. We anticipate a tough budget year for the state and county, so the continued support of the community will be vital to the financial health of the Library as well as a sign to our public funders how important the Library is to the community. In addition, your donations serve as a reminder to the staff, the Board and the County just what an exceptional star we have in our Library and how it is appreciated by so many.
Thank you for a great year, Kent County.
The Trustees of the Kent County Library
David Hanlin says
Congratulations to all the employees, trustees, foundation members, and members of Friends of the Library. It has been quite a haul. You all are to be commended for keeping this vital community resource servicing the community. Let’s toast the coming year as everyone pulls together to continue to strengthen KCPL, but allows it to really soar.