Library requests two librarian hires, makerspace and curbside lockers as part of fiscal‑year budget

Library staff asked Eastpointe City Council on May 13 to restore a full‑time librarian position, add a part‑time reference librarian, increase program spending and invest in building improvements including solar panels and a makerspace.

The library presentation outlined staffing, programming and capital requests and the department’s rationale for each. The library said restoring a third full‑time librarian would improve programming continuity and retention; the department also asked to raise program activity funding from $8,000 to $25,000 to bring more performers and events.

An unidentified library director told council the library had reduced a formerly full‑time youth position to part time and had been unable to fill it; “we've found that we need to have more desk coverage,” the director said when describing the proposed part‑time reference hire. The director said patrons have increased printing and copying activity, so copier/printing line items were raised to reflect higher use. Operating supplies were increased by roughly $4,000 (the budget narrative says the library typically budgets around $5,000 and added another $4,000 to improve community‑room furniture). The library also requested capital upgrades: rooftop solar panels, a makerspace with equipment such as 3‑D printers and a laser cutter, and a locker pickup system for holds similar to retail parcel lockers to allow after‑hours pickup.

Council members asked how the new positions fit citywide; Finance staff replied the proposed budget shows the library and DPW as the only general‑fund staffing increases. At the meeting a council member asked whether the request to move a part‑time position back to full time was already in the budget; finance clarified the library’s restored position is an addition to the proposed budget intended to return the department to its pre‑director staffing level rather than to create a net new department expansion.

The request generated no separate formal vote during the May 13 meeting; council members asked to discuss overall staffing levels across departments at a later date. Library leaders emphasized the programming and makerspace investments are intended to increase attendance and community use and that the locker system is meant to improve access for patrons who cannot visit during normal open hours.

Ending: The library’s requests were entered into the city’s proposed fiscal plan for further review. Council requested a broader review of staffing additions across departments at a later budget session before any final hiring actions are taken.