In this uncertain economy, families and businesses are making changes, and the library is no exception. The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library Board of Trustees will meet at 5pm Thursday, August 13 in Marvin Auditorium 101C, but will recess its regular meeting for the public hearing on the 2010 budget, which begins at 5:30 pm.
The proposed budget for fiscal year 2010 is $19,197,472. It is based on a flat mil rate of 8.999, the same as in 2009. The Library Board of Trustees and staff worked diligently to address how to sustain current services to the community during the annual budgeting process this spring. In preparation for FY 2010, the library has also revised the FY2009 budget eliminating $1 million in expenditures.
Library use is at an all-time high. Citizens affected by workforce reductions need their library for information, job skill training, personal financial management and affordable entertainment. Therefore, reducing library hours and services were not considered.
The governing board and library staff developed a strategy of reducing expenditures and looking for a source of revenue that did not require an increase in the 2009 mil rate or the reduction of service hours. One revenue source identified is charging late fees on overdue items. The library has always charged some fees, but did not charge late fees on items returned after the agreed borrowing time expired. That practice dates back to 1975, but is no longer sustainable in current economic circumstances.
Items that are not returned on time on or after Oct. 1, 2009 will be assessed a fee for either 25 cents or $1 per day, depending on the type of item and borrowing time. There will be a cap on the dollar amount of fees that can be accrued. (See table) The library offers several account management strategies with our Return, Remind and Renew system.
- Return on time. Drop boxes are available throughout the county. Materials can be returned at bookmobiles and at the library.
- Receive a reminder. Sign up for pre-due date reminders and overdue notices via email at catalog.tscpl.org. Just look for the yellow box that reads "Email Exclusive."
- Renew. Renew most items online, in person, on a bookmobile or by calling our renewal hotline (785) 580-4424.
Other fees, including fees for our mailing service and Inter-Library Loan, are being considered. The specific details on fee amounts and implementation dates are not yet available, but will be posted at www.tscpl.org<http://www.tscpl.org>.
