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Library budget adds materials, drops non‑resident card; circulation expands hotspots and public programs
Summary
Library director Jimmy Ball reported an increase in materials spending and said circulating hotspots and Chromebooks are in active public use; staff recommended eliminating the rarely used non‑resident library card fee and adding a library tote fee option.
Library Director Jimmy Ball presented the library division’s FY26 budget and fee changes to the finance committee on April 7, highlighting increased materials spending, expanding digital services and a recommendation to discontinue the non‑resident library card fee.
Materials and collections: Ball said the library’s collection budget increased to account for inflation and to restock material after opening the new facility and added digital subscriptions; FY24 actuals showed sizable materials purchases while FY26 reflects a continued investment in physical and electronic collections.
Hotspots and digital inclusion: The library is circulating about 11 public Wi‑Fi hotspot devices and one spare; staff reported about 191 circulations to date and said hotspots have a steady hold list, underscoring demand for public internet access. The budget includes Chromebook maintenance funds to sustain a circulating device program.
Fee changes and public rooms: Library staff recommended removing the borough non‑resident card fee because uptake was negligible (one card active this year) and noted a small adjustment to photocopy fees and a proposed $6 tote fee for patrons who want larger library bags. Meeting‑room fee language was clarified to allow departmental discounts for special events.
Ending: Ball said the library will continue to monitor federal grant funding that supports several statewide services but proposed the outlined changes to align fees with current use and to prioritize materials and digital access.
