Economy Placing Dual Strains On Library

The is continuing its effort to secure funding in the coming fiscal year for an assistant director - although the current budget climate could make this a difficult goal.

Funding Sought For Assistant Director

Speaking at this week's selectmen's meeting, Library Director Nancy Ryan noted that attendance and checkout activity have only risen in recent months. She went on to cite a letter from one local family, counting about 15 separate services they have benefited from at the library, from checking out books to using computers for job searches.

While public attendance is up at the library, she noted that technological advances are fueling demand for new services - such as ebooks.

With this in mind, she asked selectmen to approve $48,000 in the library budget to allow an assistant director to be hired. By doing so, she added, the library would be better positioned to secure grants and new acquisitions, while also assisting with other goals such as enhancing customer service as well as the offerings at the children's room.

Technology Bringing New Priorities

Looking ahead, an ebook distribution strategy remains one of the library's longer term goals. Other priorities for the next several years include completing a local digital history project, renovating the geneaology room, and creating a library foundation that would help sustain the institution's long-term financial needs.

Along with Ryan, Library Board Chair Bob Calimari reported to selectmen that staff members are currently "struggling to do more than the bare minimum," and that the Lynnfield facility is showing signs of falling behind some other surrounding towns. He also noted that a strong library tends to have a positive effect on a community's home values.

In total, the FY12 budget that was submitted by the library directors amounts to $666,715, compared to $612,009 in the revised FY11 budget. Along with seeking funds for an assistant director, the budget also includes a contractual 2 percent salary increase for library staff.