On April 17, 2009, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels announced proposed cuts to address a $43 million city budget deficit this year.
The Library, along with other city departments, had been asked to identify up to 3 percent in reductions to help balance the city budget. A 3 percent reduction for the Library represents about $1.5 million. To achieve that budget target, reducing branch hours, which would provide a savings of about $500,000, was considered.
Having reviewed department proposals and announcing midyear reductions, the mayor prioritized preserving Library services and restored $500,000 in potential cuts. This decision eliminates the need to reduce operating hours in 2009. This is good news for Library patrons, particularly since Seattle residents are using Library resources in record numbers. Library use has surged during the recession, with many people needing Library resources to look for jobs, get tax assistance, become more financially literate and learn about available social services. The Library has also been a popular place for families seeking low cost entertainment, with more than 400 free programs each month and feature films available for checkout.
While potential cuts to hours were not realized, the Library still needed to reduce its 2009 budget by $1 million. On May 27, 2009, The Seattle Public Library board of trustees adopted the following reductions to the 2009 budget:
- An executive staff cost-of-living rollback of 4.5 percent
- Cuts to administration & management
- Restructuring the operations of the Central Library
- A one-week systemwide Library closure set for Aug. 31-Sept. 6 (libraries reopen Tuesday, Sept. 8 after the Labor Day holiday)
- Miscellaneous reductions, such as extending the staff computer replacement cycle to five years and reducing the training budget.
- End of list
The Library Board also approved tapping the Library Fund balance to partially offset further reductions.
The Library is fortunate to have been spared deeper cuts in 2009, but the current economic challenges are expected to continue through 2010 and there is a likelihood of further reductions next year. The preliminary schedule for the mayor to complete his budget deliberations and present a proposed 2010 budget to the City Council is Sept. 25.
The mayor's presentation on midyear reductions can be viewed at: the Seattle Channel
