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Wauwatosa library seeks modest staffing increases, starts planning for renovation and capital campaign
Summary
Library officials told the Financial Affairs Committee the library’s circulation and program attendance rose in 2024 and proposed modest 2026 operating increases that include higher wages for shelvers and 8 additional circulation-attendant hours; the board and foundation are laying groundwork for a potential renovation and capital campaign pending
The Wauwatosa City Library director, Pete, told the Financial Affairs Committee on Oct. 7 that the library saw a substantial rebound in visits, programming attendance and circulation in 2024 and is seeking modest, targeted changes in the proposed 2026 operating budget.
The library presented specific staffing and programming changes intended to improve retention and service. Pete said the budget would propose an increase to the hourly rate for shelvers (the library’s lowest-paid position) and an addition of 8 circulation-attendant hours across two part-time employees. Pete said the shelver position previously moved from $12 to $12.79 and that raising the rate further aims to reduce turnover and improve morale. The library also noted a small net operating increase (1.3% in the library’s operating line) while moving programming expenses from the foundation into the library’s operating budget to reflect those activities as core services.
Library performance and why it matters
Pete said 2024 was…
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