Worth County library representative asks board for $22,000 boost, warns of levy reductions

A library representative identified in the meeting as Darren asked the Worth County Board of Supervisors for a modest increase in funding to the county library program, saying the group is asking for $22,000 in the coming budget year.

"This year, we're just we're asking for a little bit of bump, to 22,000," Darren said during the department-head portion of the board meeting, noting rising costs for new books and programming. He said hardback children’s books now commonly cost $29–$32 and that grant support has helped offset some needs; he referenced a $3,000 Hansen Family Foundation grant to update nonfiction holdings.

Darren said the libraries in the county have also been affected by a state change that reduced levy distributions; he said his own library’s levy receipts declined from approximately $3,000 in prior years to about $1,600 for the current cycle (the presenter described a loss of roughly $800 in this funding stream). He asked the board to consider county support and praised ongoing local fundraising efforts such as breakfasts and book sales.

County supervisors thanked Darren and said they would consider the request during the budget process. No appropriation was made at the meeting.

Darren noted that many Worth County towns maintain local libraries, and he stressed the libraries’ role in children's programming and community services. He said libraries continue to seek grants and city-level support to sustain services.

The budget request and discussion took place during the county’s budget-review agenda items and concluded without a formal vote.