Library director frames 2027 ask as investment in people and service

Jan Berg, presenting the Forest Area Public Library's initial 2027 budget request, framed the proposal as more than numbers: "Every budget reflects values, and every budget is a story," she said, stressing the library's role as a community gathering place. Berg highlighted annual usage and collection statistics and said the library recorded roughly 197,000 visits/checkouts in the last reported year.

Berg cited several operational challenges behind the request: an aging building (the library will be 25 years old next year), supply-chain issues from a major vendor going out of business that caused book order backlogs, and sharply increased program attendance and supplies consumption. To address retention and competitiveness, the draft budget includes "a 4% increase for all staff," Berg said, and adds a part-time night circulation clerk to better cover evening use.

Trustees asked how Dane County reimbursement works for patrons from jurisdictions without libraries. Berg explained the integrated library system (ILS) tracks patron home codes and that the South Central Library System files claims on the library's behalf for out-of-municipality circulation. Berg also noted the teen area upgrade was mostly funded by donations; the library is pursuing a free space-needs study through their system consultant and hopes to have results by the end of the year.

The presentation emphasized nonquantifiable returns on investment as well: "This is a return on investment," Berg said, citing independent research showing public libraries generate community value beyond direct revenues. The board did not take a final levy vote at the meeting; the presentation was the department's initial budget update and trustees asked staff clarifying questions about reimbursements, vendor backlogs and facility needs.