$500K Budget Boost for Buffalo System Can Only Help So Much
-- Library Journal, 12/12/2006
The Erie County Legislature on December 1 adopted a 2007 county budget that provides $22.2 million for the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (BECPL), $500,000 more than the County Executive proposed. Between 2004 and 2005, the system lost nearly 25 percent of its county funding, and funding remained static in 2006. "Without doubt, the Library requires much more than $500,000 to address its many needs, but the $500,000 restoration is an encouraging beginning," stated a message on BECPL web site. The fiscal crisis caused BECPL to close 15 branches, leaving 37 facilities. Currently, three libraries are presently not open enough hours per week to meet New York State minimum standards, library spokeswoman Ami Patrick told LJ. "If funding would have remained stagnant in 2007, as many as 12 libraries were at risk in 2007 or beyond." About half of the new funding will ensure that the three libraries meet state standards, but the library would need about $700,000 to restore sorely needed hours at some other branches. "The $500,000 restoration will allow us to meet the most urgent need," Patrick said. "We will not be able to implement all of the additional hours we had hoped, but will improve the service at those most severely affected."
