Library Board To Discuss $1.87 Million Shortfall

At its November meeting, the s Board of Trustees will conduct its first public hearing on its 2012 budget, discuss fines and fees on overdue and lost items, get an update on the new Fife Pierce County Library, and address other issues.

The Board of Trustees will meet from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 9, at the Library’s Processing and Administrative Center, 3005 112th St. E., in Tacoma. 

2012 Budget: The Library Board will hear public comments about its proposed $26,912,925 2012 operating budget and $1,820,700 capital improvement budget for 2012. The budget addresses a $1,870,133 shortfall. The shortfall is primarily due to an estimated revenue reduction of 8 percent in property tax values. Nearly 97 percent of the Library’s budget comes from taxes on houses, buildings and land. The Library’s priorities for the 2012 budget include:

• Maintaining the promises from the voter-approved 2006 levy, this included access to library services with an increase in the hours libraries are open, more books and materials, additional services for children and teenagers, and improved customer service and technology.
• Being good stewards of taxpayers’ money.
• Providing up-to-date services people want and value.
• Building a customer base for future service.

Fines and fees on overdue and lost items: Pierce County Library managers will share the results of a recent review of fines the Library charges to individuals for overdue books and other items, as well as fees the Library places on lost or damaged items. Managers studied the fines and fees to determine their use and whether a change to them would better serve customers. They reviewed public opinion surveys that the Library conducted in recent years that showed most people agreed with the Library charging fines and fees. Managers also learned that its fine levels of 15 cents per day with a maximum $6 align with other libraries that charge between 10 to 25 cents per day with maximum charges of $4.20 to $10. Also, due to the economic downturn, managers concluded that the Library’s current fine levels should be retained and it should not place a further hardship on the public which has increasingly turned to the Library during the recession.

Fife Library: Progress continues to prepare the first Fife Library for its grand opening on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 6622 20th Street E. in Fife. This week workers will install the exterior signs, paint the outside of the building, and continue working on landscaping and overall finishing touches on the interior and exterior of the building. Shelves and computers are scheduled to be installed next week. The Library System invites the public to celebrate the grand opening of the first full service library in Fife on Dec. 3.