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Wheaton Public Library seeks $5.3 million in 2026 spending amid staff and e‑book cost pressures
Summary
The Wheaton Public Library Board requested a 2026 budget with $5.2 million in revenues and $5.3 million in expenditures, citing staffing, facilities, and rising e‑book costs as primary challenges and describing the Board's process before cutting services.
Christine Fenne, Treasurer of the Wheaton Public Library Board, presented the library's 2026 budget request, saying the library's request "includes $5.2 million in revenues and $5.3 million in expenditures." She told Council members the library faces challenges around staffing, facilities, and rising e‑book costs and has deferred or eliminated some services compared with peer libraries.
Fenne said the library evaluates service usage and costs before proposing cuts and that recommendations are presented to the Library Board for approval and patron notification. Council members asked for clarifications about service reductions and the library's approach to technology costs; staff said the Library Board will be involved in any changes.
The presentation provides a basis for Council budget discussions about how much municipal support the library will receive in 2026 and whether to prioritize restoration of services or further cost containment measures.
