What happens if the library is not adequately funded? If, the library is funded below the levels required by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and/or is not able to obtain a waiver for certification:
- Town residents will no longer be able to borrow materials from anywhere except Beaman Library.
- Residents of West Boylston will be blocked at all other public libraries in the state, even if they possess a library card from another library!
- Residents of West Boylston will be blocked at all public libraries in the state, even if they possess a library card from another library!
- The town will be required to return over $1 million in funds which were received for the building renovation.
- Property values for the town will drop. Who wants to live in a town that can't even support its public library?
- The library will still be required to apply for a waiver for certification. This would be the 5th out of 6 years that the library has had to apply for a waiver.
- Each year the library applies for a waiver, it becomes more difficult to present the case that the library is not being unfairly targeted for cuts. Also, each year the library budget is cut, the gap between the allocated and recommended budget grows and becomes harder to overcome.
How much money are the Library Trustees asking for? For fiscal year 2010, the library submitted a budget figure of $282,276; this is 10% less than what was allocated in FY2009. The library has had its budget cut in 4 out of the last 5 years. Through these cuts, the library has absorbed the costs of rising utility bills, computer maintenance and replacement, increased material and supply costs and "step increases" for its staff. While the number of people using, borrowing, surfing and meeting at the library has increased, the library has had to do more for the public with less money and fewer employees. So, it is not without sacrifice that the library submits that budget request.
The library budget accounts for less than 1.57% of the town's municipal budget. The library has served the residents of West Boylston for 131 years and through the Great Depression. It is one of the most frugal of all town departments, a contributor to the quality of life in West Boylston and serves the entire population from babies to seniors. Please let your town officials know that the library deserves to be fostered and fully funded because its value is equally as important as other services provided by the town.
