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Library director says West Bend library 'severely underfunded' as board urged to press aldermen
Summary
In its May meeting the West Bend Community Memorial Library Board heard that per-capita funding remains well below peers, staff called the library 'severely underfunded,' and members were urged to advocate to aldermen and the city for increased operating and maintenance funding.
The West Bend Community Memorial Library remains significantly underfunded compared with area peers, library director Steve told the board at its May 20 meeting, and board members discussed steps to press the city and aldermen for higher ongoing support.
“We are Severely underfunded. Severely underfunded,” Steve said during the library director’s report, noting the library’s 2024 per-capita funding is roughly $30.05 while the regional average is substantially higher. He told the board that the library currently operates with tight staffing, constrained materials and program budgets, and limited building maintenance funds.
Board members discussed advocacy options and were urged to talk with their aldermen, the city administrator and the finance department during the upcoming budget process. “We have to talk to our aldermen and make the library a priority for the community,” one board member said.
Steve said the library relies heavily on volunteers, friends-group fundraising, grants and donations to fill gaps and that many such sources have declined. He listed services the library provides beyond lending—serving as a cooling center and a storm shelter—and argued those roles strengthen the library’s case for stable funding and building maintenance, including a generator.
Board members and staff noted capital and maintenance costs have sometimes been covered by CIP or one-time fund transfers rather than ongoing operating budgets; staff recommended focusing reserve and donation funds on direct service enhancements (for example, an automated materials handler) while asking the city to take primary responsibility for core building systems and repairs.
The board agreed to discuss funding priorities during the city’s summer budget cycle and to coordinate communication with the city administrator and aldermen, with the goal of closing the gap toward the average per‑capita funding.
