Library director says part‑time positions cut, security brought in‑house and outreach funding continues
Loading...
Summary
Fletcher Free Library officials told the Board of Finance that two part‑time positions were eliminated in recent reductions, security was moved in‑house last year, the library hosts an embedded Howard Center outreach worker and volunteers supply significant help; the library continues preservation work on its 1904 building.
Mary Danko, director of the Fletcher Free Library, briefed the Board of Finance on May 14 about service changes and operations after recent staffing reductions.
"The library was affected by the reductions in force. Our part time financial assistant position was eliminated, and those tasks, most of them will be taken on through, modern gov and the work that's gonna happen in Catherine's office. And then our part time computer assistant position was eliminated," Danko said.
Why it matters: Library staff described steps taken to maintain service despite cuts. The library moved away from contracted security and "brought that in house," Danko said, and the administration has continued funding for an outreach specialist from the Howard Center who is embedded at the library Tuesday through Saturday.
Danko said the library relies on a stable collection fund (referred to in the presentation as the "collection fund" or the splinter tax) to support circulating materials and digital services, and that the library's nonprofit friends group supplies programming support, professional development and small grants. The friends also manage fundraising and allowed the library to pursue preservation work on the 1904 building: Danko said masonry and terracotta work will require removing and repairing windows off‑site.
The director emphasized volunteers’ role: the library reported roughly 90 volunteers who together provided about 6,900 hours of service in the prior fiscal year.
Counselors asked about branch operations and security. Danko said the North Avenue branch remains a priority and the library will not reduce hours there despite staff changes; she said in‑house security and the Howard Center outreach position have improved safety and service. "When we had in house security ... they would feel part of the team. They would have access to our network. They would have keys and IDs. It has made a difference," she said.
What was not decided: The meeting was informational; there was no vote. Danko said the library will continue fundraising and grant work and will provide further details on programming and branch operations if requested.
What's next: Danko said the building preservation project will continue and the library will coordinate with the downtown business community and partners on service continuity.
(Quote source: Mary Danko.)
