January 2009

Dear Library Customers,

Sharing good news is always enjoyable and over the years we’ve had lots of great news to share. The renovation of libraries, awards we’ve received, special donations and contributions from members of the community—like the donation of our beautiful glass sculpture.

But we all know news is not always good. Certainly the financial news we’ve been hearing on every level and from every news source is not good. So, it won’t come as a surprise to learn that the Library’s financial future is no better than that of the city, the state or the nation.

In March of 2008 HB1001 was passed which included property tax caps. This legislation was on top of Circuit Breaker legislation from an earlier year that also reduced tax revenues. Taken in combination the loss to library revenues is substantial—more than a 44% reduction.

Imagine reducing your household income by 44% and you’ll understand the process we’ve been going through to make that happen. It has been a very painful and difficult process. Luckily we have a mission, we have customer surveys and we have lots and lots of statistical data that helped us decide what would be cut and what would remain.

We’ve also been lucky in that the loss will be phased in over two years. The Umbaugh Report predicts Library revenues in 2009 will be reduced by $600,000 and in 2010 the estimated loss will be twice that amount. In March of 2008 we began preparing for the projected revenue loss by initiating a hiring freeze. Through this process the Library eliminated the equivalent of 8 full time positions by the end of 2008. We also cut 20 service hours from libraries and we cut staff intensive marginal programs like homebound delivery and the teen room at Maring-Hunt.

But we can’t stop there because in 2010 the loss is projected to be more than one million dollars. The Library cannot absorb that loss without closing libraries and eliminating positions. So, on June 1, 2009 the Library will close two of its branches: Local History and Genealogy (LHG) and Conley.

Local History and Genealogy is a research facility which means it is non-circulating. Materials from this facility will be shifted into Carnegie and will be available to the public. Because of its low circulation Carnegie’s collections will be shifted to Kennedy or Maring-Hunt. The very popular computer lab will remain open to the public.

Closing Conley Library was a difficult decision but very practical given its declining circulation and close proximity to Kennedy. The future of Carnegie Library could also be in peril in 2010, but we have serious concerns about creating two empty buildings downtown and the implications thereof. For now we are looking for different ways that Carnegie Library can continue to serve our community.

We’re streamlining other processes too. For instance, MPLNow has ceased publication. We’ll provide an online newsletter and something we’re calling “The Back Page” which appears on the back page of “Book Page” a publication full of book reviews and available at each location. You’ll also continue to have the ½ page monthly program schedule both online and at the Library.

Because of declining revenues we were forced to decide whether to keep five facilities and drastically reduce services and hours or to provide full library services at fewer locations. We opted for fewer libraries but with the same great service.

I wanted to let you know personally because we value you as a customer and Library supporter. We want to continue to provide you, your friends and family with the materials and services you’ve come to expect from us

• Books, CD’s, DVD’s, magazines and more
• High speed internet access
• Electronic databases, ebooks and resources
• Literacy programs for adults and children
• Homework help and tutoring
• Spaces and opportunities for the community to gather and exchange ideas and engage in discourse

This is a new day for the Library; we are doing our best to meet the challenges imposed by drastically reduced revenues and increasing use! I know I’ll be hearing from people about what they don’t like; I hope we’ll also hear about what you do like!

We will all get through these trying times by working together to make Muncie the best it can be! The Library is an enthusiastic supporter of the community and we are dedicated to working with you to provide the very best Library service available in good times…and bad.

Sincerely,

Ginny Nilles

Administrative Offices: 2005 South High Street, Muncie, IN 47302-4073