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St. Helens library faces staff cuts and reduced hours as board hears budget plan
Summary
At its May 11 meeting, the St. Helens Public Library Board heard public pleas to spare staff and programs after director Bishop outlined proposed layoffs, furloughs and a reduction in open hours; Mayor Massey proposed creating a dedicated police fund as one alternative to the proposed general-service fee.
ST. HELENS, Ore. — At a meeting on May 11, the St. Helens Public Library Board heard pleas from patrons and a detailed briefing from Library Director Bishop that outlined staff reductions, a cutback in materials spending and shorter weekly hours if the city’s proposed 2026 budget moves forward as drafted.
"My concerns are, basically just seeing the budget cuts, seeing the employees that are being laid off," said Lindsay Preuss, a Saint Helens resident and library patron, during the public comment period. Her remarks reflected a wave of public testimony at the recent budget committee meeting urging officials not to reduce library services.
Director Bishop told the board the library is preparing a pared-down Summer Library Challenge (June 15–Aug. 8) and will rely more heavily on volunteers because part‑time library assistant positions are being eliminated. Bishop said part-time staff’s last day is June 19 and beginning…
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