County libraries seek $132,300 for materials and operations as state levy changes bite

Directors from several local libraries told supervisors the group is requesting $132,300 from the county to purchase books and materials, support interlibrary exchanges and offset rising office-supply costs.

Susie Knoepfel, director of the Hampton Public Library, and other directors said circulation and program participation have increased—some libraries reported door counts and program attendance jumps—and described digital lending through Hoopla and Libby as an important channel for residents who do not regularly visit library buildings. Directors also described the impact of state-level changes (House File 718) that have limited local levy growth and reduced the availability of previously expected revenue.

Board members and library directors discussed the difficulty of budgeting amid potentially lower local revenue and the modest level of direct state aid the libraries receive. The board thanked the presenters and said the budget binder and the written materials provided will be used during upcoming budget deliberations.

No formal appropriation was made at the meeting; libraries were advised that the board will consider the request as part of the normal budget process.