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Interim director outlines FY26 library budget priorities: bookmobile, branch staffing, kneecap lease, $400,000 for security
Summary
Interim Library Director Terry Luke told the board the library’s FY26 request centers on the bookmobile, new staff positions to meet state minimums, a short-term lease for the kneecap program at Nashville State, and a request to add $400,000 for contract security after overspending in the prior year.
Interim Library Director Terry Luke presented the library’s FY26 budget request to the Nashville Public Library Board, identifying the bookmobile as the top priority and asking the board to support funding that would make several neighborhood- and regional-branch positions Metro-funded.
Why it matters: The request seeks to convert some foundation-funded positions to Metro-funded roles to make services sustainable, to bring staffing closer to state minimums, and to cover operating needs that have previously been paid from temporary funds.
Key details presented by Terry Luke:
- "Our number 1 priority was the bookmobile." Luke said the library asked to move a program manager and one program specialist from Nashville Public Library Foundation (NPLF) funding to Metro funding so the bookmobile remains a stable, ongoing service.
- Branch staffing: Luke said many neighborhood libraries operate with only four staff members and requested a phased increase of seven positions across neighborhood, community and regional libraries over three years to approach state minimum staffing levels.
- Kneecap lease: The kneecap program has operated at Nashville State on a $1-per-year lease; Luke said that arrangement is ending and the library needs an 18-month to two-year lease arrangement and funding to continue operating the program while the Donaldson branch renovation is completed.
- Security funding: "The other thing we're asking for is $400,000 to be added to our budget because last year, we spent over 400,000 out of our temporary budget for security guards," Luke said, noting that contract security costs exceeded the temporary funds available.
- Additional items: Luke also asked for a part-time youth coordinator and funding for summer programs, continuation of a pilot program for justice-involved youth, and inclusion of a $1,000,000 Begin Bright campaign pledge by the mayor in the library’s budget materials.
Luke said the library will present its request to the mayor’s office and finance department in March; the board and library foundation have advocated publicly for operating and collection funding.
Board members asked for follow-up detail on how kneecap would integrate with branch programming and for a timeline on the Donaldson design; Luke and staff said design feasibility is ongoing with Gresham Smith Partners and that staff and the foundation will provide further briefings.
What the board did not decide: The FY26 request is a budget submission and was not voted on during the meeting. Funding depends on Metro budget processes and council action.
