Library reports dramatic growth; supervisors approve $9,244 amendment to cover part-time staff overage

Cindy Shu, director of the Jay Robert Jamerson Memorial Library, told supervisors the library has seen dramatic growth since 2022 — program attendance up 605%, new borrowers up 341%, outreach events nearly quadrupled — and said the increased programming produced a part-time salary shortfall. "Program attendance is up 605%." Shu said, noting that much of the additional service is provided by part-time staff and that the overage resulted from higher-than-expected demand.

After questions from board members about financial monitoring and the timing of the request, a motion was made to approve a budget amendment of approximately $9,244 in local funds to cover the shortfall. Board members emphasized the need for better intra-year monitoring to avoid similar late-year amendments in the future; the motion to add the funds passed by recorded vote.