Reduced services

2009 was a tough economic year. Unemployment rates soared as the economy tanked. On the Palouse, homeless shelters and food banks struggled to meet rising needs. It seemed nothing and no-one was immune from the bite of the struggling economy. Nationwide, learning institutions and libraries took big hits. Data from the Washington State Library Survey in April 2009 indicates out of 35 libraries that responded, 1 library was failing, 7 systems had reduced their hours, 11 systems had reduced their book budgets and 8 systems expected major service cuts in 2010.

Neill Public Library was fortunate not to have to reduce its materials budget. But staffing shortages and budget reductions did culminate in the indefinite suspension of select services and a temporary reduction in operating hours.

Vacancies in two senior staffing positions brought unique challenges for remaining employees. The unexpected departure of the library director and the predicted departure of the adult services librarian left the library’s workforce weakened. Some of the duties from these vacated positions were temporarily absorbed by existing staff; but it was not enough. Library staff and board faced the difficult task of having to prioritize library services. Public printing, exam proctoring and interlibrary loan services were indefinitely suspended.

Unstable economic times brought additional challenges. City budget reductions were mandated department-wide. These reductions, in combination with a compromised workforce, resulted in the library board’s decision to reduce operating hours temporarily. Statistical data was the primary factor used to determine which hours would be reduced. Library circulation Monday through Friday decreased after 4pm and dramatically reduced again after 6pm. Sundays were noted as the least busy day of the week.

The library staff and board recognize the impact that reductions in library hours and services have on its patrons. The library board is committed to reinstating hours and services as financial conditions and staffing levels improve.

In the face of these challenges, the staff continued their good hard work in service to you, the community. Statistics are being compiled for 2009. Initial reports indicate the following: 336 Youth Programs with 15,755 in attendance, 88 Adult programs with 1,055 in attendance, a 10% increase in circulation from last year. Additionally, 1,790 pounds of food were collected from the community to benefit Pullman Child Welfare; the Heritage Addition’s functionality was improved thanks to an interior design project; and a Bill and Melinda Gates Grant in combination with a donation from the Friends of Neill Public Library enabled ten new computers and tables to be added for expanded public computing.

Looking at 2010, I see positive signs of better times. Some are here now and more are on the horizon. Cheryl Brinkley has begun training as the new Adult Services Librarian. Re-instatement of library hours and services are closer. Final steps are being taken to secure grant and donation funds for more public computing stations. And last but certainly not least, plans are in the works for a new downloadable audiobook collection to start later in the year. Thank you all for your support in 2009 and here’s to a new and better year to come!

Joanna Bailey,
Temporary Library Services Manager
published in Pullman-Moscow Daily News January 16, 2010