Library Announces Budget Cuts

Due to the $8.5 million decline in state funding for Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML), our Board of Trustees has authorized a number of cuts that will be felt throughout the entire system. Effective September 6, 2009:

• All 20 branches of CML will be closed on Sundays (except Main Library)
• Hours cut at all locations. All branches and Main will be open:
  

  Monday through Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

  Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

  Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. MAIN LIBRARY ONLY

• Materials budget has been cut back to 1988 levels
• Hours/pay cut for staff

After exhaustive consideration, we believe we have charted a course that will allow CML to provide the best customer service possible under these difficult circumstances.

We know that in these challenging times our customers need our library more than ever – as we help our community through Job Help Centers, Homework Help Centers and all the resources we make available. We are committed to doing our part to return Franklin County to health and prosperity.

So, we're still here, but in a more limited capacity. Times are tough but I know our city and all of you are even tougher. We'll get through this together. In the long run, we can win this. Don't you think?

Summer Reading Club is Winding Down...

But it's not too late to finish the club and earn prizes. And don't forget that there will soon be some raffle drawings for some awesome grand prizes! You could win a mini-laptop, an iPod shuffle or a Private Gaming Party for you and 10 of your friends at your local library.

Need I say more?

Well, I guess I can say more...
Not only is this your last week to finish up your milestones in the Summer Reading Club, but it's also your last week to attend some great SRC teen programs at the library.
I looked through our Events page and found these gems (imho opinion, of course!):

• Paper Crafting at the South High Branch
• Live Clue at the Hilliard Branch
• Book Haters at the Hilltop Branch

In Case You Missed the Premiere...

You can catch them all on YouTube! Thanks again to Vital Film Works for partnering with the library on this awesome project.

I think the bloopers are some of my favorite parts. I also like the soundtracks. How about you?

Library Budget News

You've probably heard by now that the two year budget for state government was signed on Tuesday. Thanks to your letters and phone calls to state representatives, library funding was not cut as severely as we feared. Even though we're not facing the worst-case scenario, we're still facing funding cuts that are going to force the library to make some very tough choices.

Libraries have already made cuts to accommodate a 20% reduction in state revenue this year. The state budget that was passed on July 13 cut another 11% out of the Public Library Fund. We estimate the continued downward trend of state income to cost libraries at least another 4% this year bringing the total loss to 35%. As a result, the library will have to make significant changes and cuts to our operations while still offering the best service to our customers. Thank you for your support in this difficult time and we will continue to provide updates on this matter.

In the meantime, how can you make a difference?
There are many ways you can help the library in these difficult times. Our materials and collection are deeply affected by the budget cuts. So why not talk to your parents and Adopt-a-Book? This is a great way to show support while helping add a new book to our collection. See how you can Adopt-a-Book and learn about other giving options.

What's most important to you at the library? What services should we be sure not to cut?

TeenFilm School Movie Premiere: You're Invited!

We hope Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince won't be the only new movie you see this week!

Under the guidance of local production company Vital Film Works, join us to watch short films created by the teens in our community. The library is thrilled for the opportunity to pilot a program that provides access to technology and allows teens to be more than just “media consumers”…but actual media creators! The library continues to be the great equalizer: providing opportunities for teens to acquire social media skills in our ever-connected world.

Saturday, July 18, 2009
Linden Branch Premiere begins at 1:00 p.m.
Northern Lights Branch Premiere begins at 3:00 p.m.

I can't wait to see what our teens have created!

Vital Film Works is a collaboration of artists, storytellers and script writers that produce films, commercials, TV pilots, documentaries, and music videos.

THANK YOU, CUSTOMERS!

You've sent 35,000 emails to our legislators. Your voice has been heard by our state legislators and the Governor. The General Assembly has been deluged with emails and phone calls from library supporters. You are awesome!

Budget Update: Monday, July 6
The Governor and the legislature continue to debate the proposed budget.

Keep your fingers double and triple crossed in the hope that libraries are spared significant cuts in funding.