Staying Fit During Slim

Times

Bolivar County Library System

Lynn F. Shurden, Director

Status

Began FY with proposed budget of $619,590

As of today, that budget has been reduced to $614,938

Traffic in the library is up 50% over the same period as last year

Circulation and computer use are about the same

What services have been cut or modified

No Services have been cut

Changes to periodicals purchased

WorldBook Online instead of individual sets for branches

Color copier/printer services

Costs of printing and faxing reduced

Our Focus

Telling the “good story”

− Newspaper coverage

− Local television coverage

− Appearances at city and county board meetings

− Going to the schools

Thanking the funders

− Every possible occasion

New Focus

Open Houses at the branches

New Print brochures with information about the individual branch

Newsletter

New activities for Friends

Speaking at community events

Changes made

Branch managers

Children’s Coordinator

Financial Manager

Cross-training

Staff training and meetings

Inmate Labor

Formed a grant writing committee

Costs

Able to eliminate janitorial costs with using inmates

Contract for financial services paying no benefits

Combined positions at four branches and added benefits for employees as incentives

Buying supplies on schedule and not as impulse

Anticipated changes

Branches closing

Sharing more ideas and training with neighboring libraries

Possible application for grants with one or more libraries in order to match grants

What scares me the most!

Having to cut staff

Unexpected costs

Trickle down effect of state funding