Contributor Opinion by Aileen Klein: Montgomery County Public Library Cuts

The following piece was submitted by Aileen Klein and edited by Cindy Cotte Griffiths. The information on policies, fees, and the budget was provided via memorandum from Parker Hamilton, the Montgomery County Public Library Director.

The operating budget that was approved for MCPL was $28.8 million and 348 positions, an approximate 23.1% reduction in budget since the FY10 approved budget. This is a drastic cut considering that in FY07 the operating budget was $40M. Collectively, these reductions will increase waiting times for customers at services desks, result in slower accomplishment of library operations functions, and decrease the accessibility and availability of library materials.

Not only has the budget decreased, but the number of library patrons has increased tremendously during this time period. It seems when the economy is bad, people turn more and more to their libraries to help them find jobs, use the free computers, access the free internet, and get free help from the librarians. Many people applying for jobs are unfamiliar with doing so on-line and need help from the library staff.

Changes in policy and fees

The following changes in policies and fees were instituted on July 6, 2010:

• The number of holds a customer can place was limited to 15 holds (down from 35) per library card. This includes Interlibrary Loan requests.
• Library accounts of customers who owe more than $25 (was $15) were blocked. Customers are not be able to place holds, check items out, or renew items.
• A $2 replacement fee for lost or stolen library cards was reinstated.

These are the major features of the FY11 MCPL operating budget:

1. Consolidation and reduction of library service hours into three levels, effective July 6th, 2010.

2. “Year round” service on Sundays runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at seven branches (it was eight
branches). For the seven branches (including the interim Gaithersburg location which hours have yet to be determined) that are open on Sundays, there will be a reduced complement of both information and circulation staffing. The Sunday branches are Bethesda, Germantown, Marilyn J. Praisner, Rockville, Wheaton, Silver Spring, and the Gaithersburg Interim Facility.

3. A reduction of 80 merit system positions from virtually all units and position classes in the Department; a countywide staff furlough; and reductions to Sunday, Substitute, and Page authorization levels.

4. Staff-led programs will focus on early literacy, all other programming will be done by Central Administration (using FOLMC grant funds) and/or volunteer-led efforts, with a substantial amount of volunteer-led programming being supported by the Friends of the Library Chapters as supported by local book sale efforts.

5. A 45% reduction in the library materials (books, magazines, CD’s, DVD’s, etc) budget, down to a base of $3 million.

6. Significant reductions in administrative and support staff and general operating expenses, and support for the Literacy Council of Montgomery County. These reductions include substantial reductions in office supply budgets for all units, suspension of equipment purchasing, and aggressive targets for the reduction of paper, toner, and mailing costs.

As the County Executive has stated in several forums, we find ourselves in an unprecedented crisis. Hard choices had to be made and acted upon. MCPL was given a target to meet, and we proposed the best library system we would build from the ground up, given our new and substantially reduced target.

These are difficult times for the County and the library system in particular. It is our continuing mission, despite the challenges we face, to connect our residents with knowledge, ideas, and information, and to be Where the County Reads, Meets, and Learns.

How You Can Help

The Friends of the Library (FOL) is the fundraising branch of the library system, much as a PTA is to the school system. The FOL is made up entirely of volunteers and is always looking for more people to help. There are so many things to do, especially now when our library is being used so heavily. The Friends of the Library is the one who will be paying for the children’s programs, arranging for and running author talks, special events, and book sales for the public.

Rockville is fortunate to have two libraries, Rockville Memorial Library in Town Square and the Twinbrook Library at 202 Meadow Hall Drive. Both are seeking new members and volunteers.

You may contact the Rockville Friends of the Library by emailing Rockville@folmc.org or the Twinbrook Friends of the Library by emailing Twinbrook@folmc.org.

You will be welcome at either.

Both of our libraries have programs and events which can be seen by going on the Friends of the Library website. There is a calendar on the front page and details of events can be found by selecting the individual library on the left side of the page.

The main way that the FOL raises money is through membership ($25/year), donations, and book sales. The Rockville Chapter holds weekly book sales each week at Out to Lunch Wednesday’s in front of Giuseppe’s Pizza from 11-2. Their big winter book sale will be held on Saturday, November 13.They are always seeking volunteers to help with their many book sales and book sorting activities.

I urge you to get involved and support our libraries.

By Aileen Klein, Vice President FOL, Rockville Chapter and FOLMC Board of Trustees

This is a Contributor Opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such pieces for consideration — the more voices the better. Simply send them to hello@rockvillecentral.com. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point! Please also note that Rockville Central does not endorse candidates in election campaigns. Supporters of all candidates are encouraged to submit opinion pieces for consideration.

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