Let’s play a game. How well do you know your library?
First off, how is the Springfield-Greene County Library District funded? I conducted an informal survey while walking through the shelves in the library center. Several people said sales tax, others thought state funds, and a few didn’t know. Our library district is funded 90% by Greene County personal and property taxes. Additional revenue comes from state grants, various taxes, library fees, copy machines, and – unique to our district – passport collection office revenue.
Next: What challenges do libraries face? At the top of the list are several issues, including book bans, funding issues, and increasing use by people in need of social services.
First, let’s talk about the book ban. Libraries are for everyone, and we are proud of our extensive and diverse collection, which reflects our commitment to inclusivity. In 2023, our district had only nine requests for reconsideration. We are fortunate, as our partner institutions face a higher number of requests. We strongly believe that parents/guardians should decide what their children read.
Funding challenges include maintaining our ten branches and growing to meet demand. Our facilities need renovation and maintenance due to their age and use. The library had over 1 million visits last year. We also monitor the rising costs of electronic resources on a daily basis. We know of another library that may have to close branches because of publishers setting prices for e-books and digital downloads. They are currently considering a tax increase to meet increasing demand and higher costs. Their library is frugal and we have not requested a tax increase in over 20 years. We also have restrictions on electronic resources that have allowed us to stay within our budget.
Finally, in our role as a refuge, libraries are experiencing an increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness and mental health issues. Sometimes people seeking refuge from the weather, struggling with addiction issues, or experiencing homelessness bring existing issues with them to the library. We offer community outreach services and enhanced security measures to assist people with mental health and/or substance abuse issues. Our staff often connect individuals to various service providers in our community in addition to their library duties.
As you can see, there are challenges, but your library team is working hard to provide you with the quality service you expect. Libraries are vital to the future of our community.
Vickie Hicks is director of public relations for the Springfield-Greene County Library District. You can reach her at [email protected].
