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Library director outlines FY2026–27 requests, Sunday hours and sorting-system replacement
Summary
Director Gray told trustees the city’s preliminary budget shows no expected cuts for the library; staff asked to continue two limited-period positions and contracted security, seek funding for a new automated material handling (sorting) system, and implement additional Sunday hours pending hires.
Director Gray presented the library’s FY2026–27 budget outlook to the trustees on April 20 and described a set of continuing and proposed items the library will bring forward in the municipal budget process.
Gray said the city’s preliminary review does not anticipate across-the-board cuts for the library. The library’s request package includes continuation of two limited-period positions (a library security services guard and a half‑time library assistant), continuation of contracted security services and the Career Success Allowance (the COHS stipend program Julian described). Gray also said public-works and IT involvement will be required to plan replacement of the library’s automated material handling system (AMHS), a sorting system that staff described as about 18 years old and due for replacement.
On service hours, Gray and staff reminded trustees that the council had asked what it would take to expand Sunday hours; midyear council action approved funding to pilot two additional Sunday hours once staff are hired. Gray said the likely Sunday hours would be noon–6 p.m. (to align closing times with Saturday), but that launch timing depends on hiring and scheduling.
Staff also previewed requests they will present to the Friends of the Library (FOL) including programming support, digital resources and the FOL collection. Gray noted upcoming project timelines: the city’s budget presentation of the recommended budget will be June 9 and adoption is scheduled for June 23.
Trustees offered ideas for the library’s planned 30th‑anniversary celebration (Oct. 27, 2027) and discussed the Wiseman area housing growth that could affect future service planning. No formal votes were taken on budget adoption at the April 20 meeting; the director asked trustees to relay suggestions for anniversary planning and to coordinate with staff on budget requests ahead of the June council hearings.
