WAUKESHA, Wis. — Library Director Bruce Gay briefed the Finance Committee on 2025 accomplishments and 2026 plans, including a renewed fundraising focus that aims to grow an endowment and a change to in-house security staff intended to provide more hours of coverage at lower cost.

Gay said the library has expanded private fundraising and is preparing a campaign tied to the library's 130th anniversary to add up to $130,000 to the endowment; he said the goal would push the endowment past $1 million. He told the committee the library's day-to-day work remains core services but added that new initiatives have increased engagement: the Lucky Day collection (high-demand items that patrons cannot place on hold) is circulating quickly and Waukesha Reads continues in its 19th year.

Security and volunteers

Gay said the 2026 budget adds 0.75 full-time equivalent positions to replace contracted security with a 10-hour and a 20-hour library security guard, which the library expects will deliver more hours of coverage for less money. The director also described a growing volunteer program, including outreach to areas of the city with low cardholder penetration using GIS mapping.

Digital-content change

Gay said the library consolidated two streaming services, removing one (Hoopla) and expanding another (Libby) to preserve access while reducing cost pressure.

Sources and attribution

Remarks summarized from library director Bruce Gay's presentation; no formal vote on library funding occurred during the session.