Library officials discuss ideas for keeping system sustainable

By SEAN BARRON

news@vindy.com

AUSTINTOWN

The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County spent time discussing this dilemma: how to best serve its users in the face of declining revenues and increased usage.

The library’s board of trustees had a 90-minute special meeting Wednesday at the Austintown branch on South Raccoon Road to map out possible strategies to keep the system viable and sustainable.

One of the main ideas was to place a new levy on the ballot, though specifics have to be worked out, noted Carlton Sears, director.

Officials looked at a possible 1.5-mill levy that would generate an estimated $6.76 million annually, noted Janet S. Loew, public- relations director. More information about a levy should be available at the library board’s next regular meeting, set for 4 p.m. June 10 at the Newport branch, 3730 Market St., Youngstown.

The library system’s 2010 general-fund budget should be about $11.6 million, with an expected $647,000 shortfall largely because of decreases in state funding, Loew explained.

The library system has made no capital investments in more than a year because of budget constraints, she noted.

“We need some type of new levy because doing nothing is not a future anyone wants,” Sears said, adding that such an option could result in the closure of five or six branches and the system’s becoming irrelevant.

Comparing the library’s situation with a family in which the main breadwinner suddenly becomes disabled, Sears discussed several recommendations to protect services he said people value most, including a financial-literacy program and free Internet access.

In addition, he said, some assumptions and principles made in 2004 when the Library 2011 Strategic Plan was adopted need to be expanded and new approaches considered.

The main ideas were streamlining certain processes, making necessary investments to allow buildings to operate at a lower cost and consolidating services.

Some suggestions board members made included greater philanthropic efforts and collaboration.

Also discussed were fund-raising ideas such as the Culinary Delights for Literary Heights event to be put on by noted chefs Edward and Christine Muransky. The pizza- and pasta-cooking demonstration and food-tasting event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. June 30 at the Culinary Arts Center, 492 McClurg Road, Boardman, with proceeds to benefit the library levy campaign of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Tickets are $100 per person and can be obtained by contacting Loew at 330-509-0548.

LIBRARY SYSTEM | What to do

Officials with the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County talked about several recommendations and approaches for dealing with drops in state funding and increased usage. The main ones were:

• Streamlining some essential processes. An example includes using a technology called radio frequency identification, as well as self-service systems. Fitting books, DVDs, compact discs and other items with the RFID tags would improve customer service and contain costs, partly because fewer employees would be needed. Such cost reductions likely would be achieved gradually, since staff would be required to train patrons while still offering other services.

• Taking a realistic look at buildings and making investments to allow them to operate at a lower cost. This could mean merging the Brownlee Woods, Struthers and Campbell facilities into a single, efficient building. A similar scenario might take place with the Lake Milton and North Jackson branches. Input from the affected communities would be considered for this plan, which likely would mean reduced operational costs, improved collections and extended hours.

• Considering leasing space. This can be done in conjunction with other entities that share a similar mission.

Source: Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County