Ohio Libraries Cut Staff, Hours in Response to Downturn
Thirty percent cut in state aid also has PLs instituting furloughs and seeking new revenue
Lynn Blumenstein -- Library Journal, 8/17/2009
- Most cutbacks go into effect next month
- Some libraries close for one week in August
- Levies on the ballot in November
An unprecedented number of library systems in Ohio are closing branches, reducing hours, and cutting staff as they look for short- and long-term solutions to serious budget cuts.
Unlike in every other state (other than Hawaii, which has a unique state system), where libraries are supported mostly by local funding, Ohio libraries have relied on state funding to create remarkably robust systems . Now that support has been cut 30 percent. (Ohio libraries had received 2.22 percent of the state's total general tax revenue; now it will be 1.97 percent.)
Most libraries have explained the cuts on their web sites. Below is a roundup of actions taken by most of the larger as well as by smaller libraries. (Also see Save Ohio Libraries for links.)
The Akron-Summit County Public Library won't fill some positions, eventually reducing its work force by ten percent. It will reduce purchases of materials by 15 percent.
Cleveland Public Library (CPL) will reduce overtime spending by eliminating Sunday hours through the end of the year. It pledges to keep all facilities open while cutting the budget by $10.7 million by "restructuring public, community, and support services." CPL already has eliminated annual raises for non-union staff, frozen non-critical staff positions, and reduced the materials, supplies, and contracted services budgets.
Columbus Public Library will lose $8.5 million in annual state funding. As a result, the board voted to eliminate 60 vacant positions, institute a ten percent pay cut for hourly workers and a five percent cut for other workers, and implement a pay freeze for 2010. Some $2.6 million in capital funds will be transferred to the operational budget, causing the cancellation or postponement of some maintenance projects. Sunday hours will be eliminated at all branches. Instead of closing six or seven branches, hours will be reduced by 18 percent. These changes will be implemented September 6.
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is facing a $16 million funding shortfall in 2010 without the passage of a levy in November. It will lose $14.7 million in state support; operating expenses have risen 15 percent. Without the $20 million the levy would provide annually, branch closures and layoffs are certain.
Cuyahoga County Library, Parma, must make up a $14 million shortfall calculated through 2010. To do so, it will eliminate 41 positions and the interlibrary loan department, do away with Sunday hours at 21 of 28 branches, raise the cost of fines and fees, and has offered a one-time resignation/retirement incentive for employees with ten years or more of service.
Dayton Metro Library will place a levy on the November ballot to provide 36 percent of funding for 2009 and 47 percent for 2010. The library already has cut $1 million from the materials budget, left 11 positions vacant, and eliminated planned manager salary increases, most staff training, and most capital expenses. Union negotiations are underway to institute pay freezes and encourage retirements through incentive packages.
Stark County Library District earlier this year made more than $1 million in cuts by reducing its materials budget, cutting positions through attrition and voluntary layoffs, and freezing employee wages. Now it will reduce service hours, close all locations at 8 p.m. during weekdays, and lose Sunday hours at most locations. Drive-up windows will close and customers will be limited to a total of 20 items.
Toledo Lucas County Public Library stands to lose $1.4 million in state support. It will eliminate all pages and Sunday hours at all but one branch. It will reduce budgets for materials, IT, and new furniture and equipment. Exempt staff salaries will be frozen. According to a local news site, employees with 30 years or more of service will be offered a retirement package.
The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is reducing a total of 113 hours at all 15 branches effective September 8; several will lose an entire day of service. Ten part-time positions were eliminated and about 25 more positions may be abolished. The materials budget will be cut. The library expects to lose $1.7 million in annual funds and will have a levy on the ballot this November.
Other libraries
Ashland Public Library for the first time will place an operating levy on the November ballot. Service and materials will be cut, but no particulars have been announced.
Avon Lake Public Library will end Sunday hours. Also, ten non-bargaining employees will be furloughed three days each during 2009, and all non-bargaining employees will face wage freezes in 2010.
The Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library has already has reduced staff hours, curtailed spending on new books, CDs and DVDs and eliminated Sunday hours at the main library. The Northside Branch will close.
Elyria Public Library has lost $550,000 in state aid in 2009 and will lose another $700,000 in 2010. It could lose another ten percent owing to property reassessments. As a result, eleven employees will be laid off, weekly hours will be reduced from 62 to 48, and a retirement incentive plan will be offered to employees.
Girard Free Library relies on the state for 100 percent of its financing; it has lost $113,000 already this year. Reduced hours are in effect September 8. Three part-time staffers have been laid off, two retirees haven’t been replaced, and new book orders have been cancelled. According to Vindy.com, the library’s budget has plummeted in eight years from $1 million to $600,000.
Muskingum County Library System, Zanesville, is closing for one week, August 16-23, and all five branch libraries will eliminate Saturday hours.
Putnam County District Library, Ottawa, facing a $210,000 deficit, will reduce hours, effective August 24. According to LimaOhio.com, the library also will lay off five assistant branch librarians and four professional employees. Six of seven branches will reduce hours. A levy is being considered.
Sandusky Public Library will eliminate the equivalent of seven full-time staff. Service hours will diminish to 47 from 65 hours a week. All staff will take five days unpaid leave during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The Castalia Branch will close and the materials budget will shrink by 20 percent.
The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County has lost 31 percent of its budget, according to the State Journal. The library will lay off 13 employees and hours will be reduced beginning August 28.
The Tiffin-Seneca Public Library is reducing its service and staff hours by 13.5 percent. The materials budget will be reduced by 15 percent. Fees, including a $1 dollar charge for computer classes, and fines will increase.
Wadsworth Public Library (WPL) will decrease service by 14 hours a week, reduce bookmobile service, and eliminate senior outreach, the quarterly newsletter, and all paid presenter programs. WPL also is offering a retirement incentive plan and is encouraging staff to voluntarily reduce their hours; layoffs may be necessary.
The Wright Memorial Public Library, Oakwood, is closing for one week, August 16-23, and another week at the end of the year, saving about $41,000. It also eliminated money for staff training, reduced the materials budget, and postponed remodeling the youth services and audiovisual areas. The library expects to receive $368,000 less in state aid this year.
