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Viking Library System asks Stevens County for $71,159 in 2027 appropriation
Summary
Erin Smith told the county the Viking Library System is seeking a 2.5% increase from Stevens County — $71,159 total for 2027 — to sustain regional services, bookmobile stops and an ILS upgrade. The board heard circulation and outreach figures and had brief questions before the presentation closed.
Erin Smith, director of the Viking Library System, presented the system’s 2025 annual report and outlined a 2027 appropriation request to Stevens County. "I just wanted to thank you for having us here today to present the 2025 annual report and our 2027 appropriation request," Smith said, and told the board the governing board approved submitting a 2.5 percent budget increase request to Stevens County.
Smith said the 2.5% request would amount to $71,159 for 2027 — an increase of $1,736 from the 2026 appropriation — and emphasized services the system provides across six member counties (Stevens, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Polk and Traverse), including mobile outreach. She told commissioners the system runs five regular bookmobile stops in Stevens County (generally every other week), circulated 1,564 items at those stops in 2025 and delivered 27,490 items through delivery and interlibrary loan services to the county’s two libraries.
Local librarians described complementary programs: Anne Prechtler of the Morris Public Library outlined a summer-reading program that included partnerships with the city tree board, master gardeners and a seed‑library pilot; Hancock Community Library representatives noted a recent 100th‑anniversary celebration and steady community use. Smith also said the system is preparing a request for proposals to review its integrated library system and is updating its strategic plan.
The report was informational; no formal appropriation vote was recorded during this meeting.
