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Library requests pay/benefits adjustments and new tech to expand access; Wi-Fi and bookmobile highlighted
Summary
Acting library director outlined a 4.53% budget increase to cover union pay/benefits and a larger digital collection spend; the library is refreshing adult spaces, expanding Wi-Fi and hot-spot lending, and acquired a bookmobile; the committee advanced the budget by straw vote.
The acting library director told the committee the FY27 request (4.53% increase) covers union salary and benefit changes and an expansion of the collection budget to keep up with demand for ebooks and audiobooks.
The library also plans to refresh adult seating and program spaces, improve digital accessibility for PDFs and the website to comply with ADA Title II guidance, and expand technology lending. The library has acquired a van that will be converted into a bookmobile to serve the city's geographically dispersed neighborhoods. Staff said Wi-Fi onsite reaches into the first rows of the parking lot and that the library is preparing quotes to expand wiring and Wi-Fi coverage across the building; the library also loans hotspot kits and is evaluating increased inventory to meet demand.
Councilors expressed support for digital access initiatives and the bookmobile; the committee advanced the library budget by straw vote on the night's agenda.
