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Blackstone Library seeks modest operating increases; asks for assistant director pay adjustment
Summary
Library directors told the finance committee they are requesting a revised operating budget (revised total $690,826) that includes modest wage increases, a new part-time technology assistant and funding for an updated website and vendor replacements.
Library Director Lisa Cooper and a trustee (Mary Lou) presented the Blackstone Library’s proposed FY26 operating budget to the Finance Committee on April 9, citing modest increases for staffing and technology and describing state aid and grant revenues that offset some operating costs.
Why this matters: The library requested targeted increases to keep part-time wages competitive, improve technology support for patrons, and fund a replacement web-provider and related annual maintenance. Library staff also noted certification requirements that drive minimum spending on books and periodicals.
What the library asked for: The presenters said the revised total request (the version provided to the committee that night) is $690,826. The budget includes a 5% increase request for the assistant director (the presenter said the assistant director has served about 20 years and is “grossly underpaid”), a new part-time technology assistant position at $16.50 per hour, and modest increases in part-time wages generally. The library also plans technology line increases for a new reservation/calendar vendor and to buy two staff computers. The library said the books and periodicals line was raised to meet the state certification threshold (the presenter cited a 19% rule used for certification).
Grants and donations: the presenters told the committee the library received $38,777 in grants and $11,126 in donations that are administered through the trustees’ gift account and used for programming and other non‑operating expenses. The library also reported it received $27,969 in state aid for 2025.
Usage and services: presenters provided usage statistics: physical circulation of approximately 46,000 items (not counting e‑books/audio), 3,575 ebook checkouts, 6,089 audiobook checkouts, 2,148 hoopla circulations, roughly 3,000 computer sessions and about 43,845 visitors over the year. The library noted some unpaid contractor support for building repairs and landscaping that reduces operating costs.
The committee asked clarifying questions about the technology increases and the assistant director’s pay; library representatives explained the increases respond to vendor closures, end-of-life equipment, and an assistant director salary they said previously predated a compensation study.
Ending: The library presenters thanked the committee and offered to follow up with detail if members requested further line-item explanation.
