Library director asks Halifax County to fund wage adjustments, expand services

Ms. Jenna Austin, director of the Halifax County/South Boston Public Libraries, asked the Finance Committee April 2 for an increase in county funding primarily to address wage compression and to align staff pay with upcoming minimum-wage standards.

Austin and Branch Manager Kellie Swartz told the committee the library won two awards at the Virginia Public Directors Association Conference—one honoring staff member Marcus Kirby and another recognizing the library’s sensory room, used by neurodivergent patrons and frequently by Head Start classes. The library also recently dedicated its local history room to the late Carrie Perkins; Dottie Stevens now oversees genealogy and notary services.

The library outlined program growth over the past year, including story time, Imagination Station for young children, author talks in partnership with the Town of South Boston, and expanded adult offerings such as Stitch and Story Time. New initiatives planned include a Seed Library, workshops, the expansion of a "Library of Things" (tools and equipment for loan) and an Analog Hour for teens focused on screen-free skills.

Austin said many long-serving and highly credentialed employees currently earn near minimum wage while taking on multiple roles, and that the requested increase would help "recognize staff experience and qualifications" and prevent compression between pay grades. The library also runs community supports such as a "Food for Fines" program that distributes emergency food boxes.

The Finance Committee did not set a final contribution at the meeting; Vice Chair R. Smart indicated he was comfortable including the current recommended amount for now, with adjustments to be considered later as revenue estimates are finalized. The committee will review the library’s specific funding request when staff completes revenue projections prior to Monday’s board session.