The LMNOP of Library Spending

The other day I discussed the ABC’s of Library Funding. Now I would like to discuss a little bit about how we spend that funding.

L is for Literacy. Libraries are about promoting reading and literacy of all forms. We work on inspiring children to hopefully create a passion for reading and learning. We help adults to continue their need for growth and continued education throughout their lives. Therefore the library has programs which encourage young children to read and adults to continue to learn. Literacy programs represent about 5% of our expenditures. It is small, but very important.

M is for Materials. We are a library. We buy books. However, we also buy DVD’s, music CD’s, books on CD, magazines, newspapers and electronic databases. Each year the library buys around 20,000 items to meet the desires and needs of Adams County residents. This represents about 18% of our expenditures.

N is for New Stuff. Ok, I admit it; I was not very creative here. These are the items we purchase to keep the library upgraded. This includes expenses like moving the Littlestown Library or for replacement of the Bookmobile. Also, in this number is the replacement schedule for our computers and other technology. This represents about 7% of our expenditures.

O is for operating. Operating expenses are required to keep the libraries open and functioning. These are expenses for things like electricity and telephone. This represents about 10% of our expenditures.

Finally, the P is Personnel. Personnel are the largest part of our budget. The library cannot run without a certain number employees. If we were to lose a percentage of our annual income, or not be able to replace employees when they leave, we could be forced to reduce our hours of operation. Personnel costs make up about 60% of our expenditures.

As we look at our coming budget cuts, it is sort of a grim outlook to see what we will have to cut. State aid for our system has not increased since 2001. Unfortunately, inflation has increased prices for libraries just as it has for everyone. This reduces what we can do with the money we are provided. While we will try to minimize the impact, overall operations cuts will inevitably be felt.