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Library seeks two full-time equivalents and added weekend hours in FY26 budget pitch
Summary
The Grand Island Public Library requested two new full-time positions (plus five part-time assistants) and modest operating increases to restore hours and expand outreach, citing rising program attendance and digital circulation.
Celine Swan, director of the Grand Island Public Library, told the City Council the library is seeking two additional full-time equivalents (FTEs) and five part-time assistants in the FY26 budget to extend hours and expand programming.
Swan said adding two FTEs would cost roughly $82,827 in wages and would support restoring hours (from 56 to 60 weekly hours) — for example, adding Saturday or Thursday evening hours — and increase on-site services and outreach. She asked the council to consider adding five part-time library assistants (80 hours total) to allow more consistent programming, bilingual coverage and makerspace operation.
Why it matters: the library reported increased use of digital services, makerspace activity and outreach: Swan said the library presented about 400 programs this year (in-house and outreach) with roughly 15,000 attendees and noted makerspace use has doubled year over year. The library currently has 21 FTE; the two new FTEs would bring staffing to about 23 FTE.
Budget details and capital requests
Swan proposed a 4.44% increase in personnel services to cover the two FTE additions and projected a 10% increase in operating expenses (about $56,000) to cover rising costs for books, databases and technology. She also renewed a prior request for a community kiosk to distribute library materials in high-traffic locations (for example near a sports complex or large retailer) as a low-cost outreach alternative to a bookmobile.
Council response and next steps
Council members praised the library’s community programs and volunteers and asked for additional details on volunteer capacity and the kiosk’s operating requirements. Council member Jack Sheard and others noted the library’s role as a community hub and encouraged the board’s ongoing outreach.
No vote taken
The library’s FY26 personnel and operating request was presented for inclusion in the city’s budget process; no final vote occurred at the meeting.
Ending
Library leadership requested funding that would restore weekday and weekend access and expand community outreach; council members expressed support and asked staff to include the request in the broader FY26 budget review.
