Budget Compromise Improves Outlook for Branch Library Operations
A combination of significant behind-the-scenes budget work, coupled with hours changes and improvements in the assessed valuation of homes, should keep the Rock Island Library’s 30/31 Branch open past January 2017, according to a working document presented at Monday night’s Budget Review Session before the Rock Island City Council.
Angela Campbell noted that the budget situation has evolved a great deal since a preliminary summary earlier this summer. “Between July and now, much has happened. Although we are still looking at a deficit for 2017, we are moving closer to a balanced budget. Keeping the 30/31 branch open in 2017, with more limited hours, is a compromise that provides the library board with the time and breathing room to determine the future direction of our library facilities.” The library foundation is currently involved in a funding study related to the building plan.
Getting to this point required significant behind-the-scenes budget work between the Library and the City, including staff reorganization, cuts to library budget lines, increases in tax monies through positive changes to the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) of homes, reductions in operating hours, and more infrastructure help in the form of City Capital Improvement Funds.
“By next year, we will have a clearer picture of the direction for our facilities. We are listening and working with the City to make this happen for the benefit of the City and all its citizens, while continuing to be a responsible with our community-based funding,” added Campbell.
The library’s Southwest Branch will remain open thanks to a revised three-year contract with the Milan-BlackhawkArea Public Library District. The new contract takes effect July 2017, the beginning of their fiscal year. Due to staff reorganization, hours for both branches will change as of January 3, 2017:
30/31 Branch hours: Monday & Tuesday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Wednesday & Thursday Noon to 8:00 pm, Friday & Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The branch will be open 48 hours per week.
Southwest Branch hours: Monday & Tuesday Noon to 8:00 pm; Wednesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. This branch will also be open 48 hours per week,
Main Library hours will remain the same at Monday through Thursday 9:00 am to 8:00 pm; Friday & Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Main Library will be open a total of 60 hours per week.
For questions about library hours or services, visit www.rockislandlibrary.org or call 309-732-READ.
