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2010 Budget (PDF file) - Library Board approved October 20, 2009
2010 Budget FACT SHEET

2009 Budget (PDF file) - Library Board approved October 15, 2008

2008 Budget (PDF file) - Library Board approved October 18, 2007

2007 Budget (PDF file) - Library Board approved October 18, 2006

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2010 Budget FACT SHEET
(PDF file)

At their regular October 2009 meeting the Board of Trustees approved the 2010 Library budget. Find the Library's 2010 budget online at www.oppl.org/about/budget.htm.

What's the bottom line for you, the taxpayer?
The Library worked with the Village last year to refinance debt for the construction of the Main Library and renovations to the Branches. This refinancing resulted in a 10.64% decrease in the Library operating budget for debt. In 2010, we will reinvest some of this savings in improvements to the Library's infrastructure, the details of which are described below. The bottom line is the Library's operating budget increases 5.18%, but coupled with the decrease in debt the overall levy increase is 0%.

Highlights:

• Dramatic increase in library usage
  People turn to public libraries for essential services in tough economic times. The dramatic increase in use of the Oak Park Public Library has in part been a result of the recent economic downturn. In 2009, the Library is on track to circulate more than 1,300,000 - an increase of 51% in 5 years.
• Expanded library services
  The Library continues to expand services to the community in response to community needs. Within the last 18 months the Library has offered additional storytimes, new book discussions for those in their 20s and 30s, additional computer classes including one for job searching online, accessible computers and computer software, new gaming programs for all ages, new museum adventure passes, and a larger collection of downloadable audiobooks. These services and resources complement the 314,000 books, DVDs, CDs, and magazines that can be borrowed and online tools that can be accessed from home for free by library cardholders.
• Equal access for all
  Public libraries bridge the digital divide between the haves and have-nots by providing equal access to services. The Oak Park Public Library continues to provide the majority of services and programs for free. Library cards are free to Oak Park residents, and books, DVDs, CDs, and magazines can be borrowed for free. Many services and programs, like wifi Internet access, group study rooms, and book discussions, can be enjoyed for free without a library card. The Library serves as a safety net for the entire community, especially for families who use the Library as a no-cost, educational, entertaining place to take kids. Tax-payer dollars support these services and ensure that they are available to all.
• Reduction in other sources of income
  In 2009, due to state budget woes the State Library cut per capita grant funding by 16% for all public libraries. This translates to a $9,600 drop in Oak Park Public Library income. The Library's income from interest has decreased dramatically due to past use of invested income to cover deficits and to lower interest rates.
• Return on investment
  The Oak Park Public Library receives 5.32% of the property tax bill. How much would the services of your public library cost if you had to pay for them directly? Use a simple online calculator at www.oppl.org/services/valuecalculator.htm to estimate the value of your Library use.
• Good stewardship
  The Library relies on property taxes for over 89% of our funding, as do most public libraries. Therefore, the Library strives for the highest levels of efficiency with these finite financial resources. When the Main Library reopened, new self checkouts and the automated materials handling system were installed to limit the need for additional staff. Expenses budgeted for salaries have remained flat in 2008 and 2009, and will continue to be in 2010, despite increased library usage. Despite increase in program attendance in 2008 and 2009, the budget for these activities remained flat.

  The Library also participates in intergovernmental agreements to avoid duplication of services and make the best use of tax-payer dollars. Through membership in SWAN, the Oak Park Public Library will share resources and expenses with other suburban libraries to provide better service at lower cost. The Library is fortunate to have the support of the Friends of the Library and is increasing fundraising activities. The Library also pursues grants and awards to assist in achieving Library goals. In addition, through the new volunteer program, hundreds of volunteers have contributed thousands of hours of service to assist the Library in achieving its mission.

What else is new in the 2010 budget?

• Projected revenues include $.05 increases in fines, printing, and photocopying to $.20; an increase in Veterans Room rental fees for for-profits entities to $150 per four-hour period; an increase to the 6-12 hour parking rate in the Main Library garage to $20.
• We are also tightening our belts and cutting some expenses. The Dole and Maze Branch Libraries will close 1 hour earlier, at 8 pm instead of 9 pm, during the week. The Branches will also return to a winter holiday break schedule and be closed during the school vacation in December/January (December 19, 2009 through January 3, 2010).
• We have decreased funding for conference attendance and travel reimbursements.
• In making these decisions about revenue and expenses the Library carefully considered the impact on public service and sought actions that would minimally affect library usage.

How will the money be used?

• Technology and building infrastructure
  Since opening six years ago the Main Library building has been warmly received, frequently praised, and heavily used. To maintain the Library as a technology center, public computers need to be replaced and supporting network systems need to be updated. An investment in technology infrastructure will update the automated materials handing system (which was first generation technology and is now operating at 150% of its capacity) and achieve intended efficiencies. Scheduled maintenance work to the buildings and grounds will ensure safety, efficiency, and the delivery of excellent library service.
• New services
  Significantly, in 2010 the Oak Park Public Library will join SWAN, a library resource sharing consortium. In addition to annual membership fees, Library funds will be used in a one-time effort to migrate data from our current system to the SWAN system. The on-going benefits of additional resources for the Oak Park community and long-term cost savings far outweigh the initial costs. Through SWAN the Oak Park Public Library will provide expanded service at lower operational costs.

Who to contact for more information?
For more information visit www.oppl.org/about/budget.htm or contact Executive Director Dee Brennan at 697-6911 or dbrennan@oppl.org.