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Johnson County Public Library director cites usage growth, warns of state funding changes
Summary
Johnson County Public Library Director Lisa Litner reported 1.3 million checkouts last year and flagged recent state legislation (HEA 1210 and HEA 1406) that could reduce typical distributions and require libraries to petition county councils for funding starting in 2028.
Lisa Litner, Johnson County Public Library Director, reviewed the library’s year in review at the Franklin City Council meeting on May 4.
"We had over a million checkouts again last year, so 1.3 million items," Litner told the council, adding that about 900,000 were physical items and 420,000 were digital. She said the system had nearly 400,000 visitors last year, issued about 11,000 new library cards and serves roughly 55,000 active cardholders. Litner also highlighted the summer-learning program, saying community members read 5.1 million minutes together.
Litner outlined the library’s strategic plan pillars—improving access and customer experience, creating connection through community engagement, and creating excitement through innovative programming—and listed partnerships and outreach work including a preschool-readiness grant with Windrose Health System and an active bookmobile that serves fairs, housing areas and senior centers.
She warned the council about state measures affecting library revenue, referencing "HEA 1210" and "House Enrolled Act 1406." Litner said local income tax currently provides about 40% of the library’s budget and described changes that could require libraries to petition county councils for distributions starting in 2028; she also said HEA 1406 limits growth quotients and includes a penalty structure that could reduce a library’s distribution if a unit fails to file required budgets on time.
Litner gave a facilities update—completion of a 20-year maintenance plan, replacement of a courier van, and a paused White River branch renovation—and outlined large programming plans for America’s 250th, including film series, concerts at the Trafalgar Amphitheater, a countywide 'longest table' event planned with the Parks Department for Sept. 4, and a Military Day at the Johnson County Armory.
Council members asked about out-of-state attendance at author events and confirmed the library’s annual budget figures; Litner said the library budgets roughly $10 million and typically receives about $9.5 million, and cautioned that any percentage cut to distributions could force service reductions such as hours or staffing changes.
Litner said the library board will revisit capital plans as the library’s bond retires in early 2028 and will consult with county leaders on potential funding options.
