Local libraries hope 'snapshot' will prove need for funding

Libraries across the state spent Wednesday trying to prove their worth and increase awareness about cuts in state and local funding.

As part of the Illinois Library Association's "Snapshot: One Day in the Life of Illinois Libraries," staff members at many libraries spent the day compiling statistics, customer comments, photographs and other data chronicling how they help patrons.

Libraries from municipalities throughout the area participated, including Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Vernon Hills, Roselle, Naperville and Elgin.

The point, organizers said, is to convince local and state lawmakers of the value of libraries as their budgets are being severely cut.

"There is increased library usage these days due to the economic situation in our country," said Bob Doyle, executive director of the Illinois Library Association. "People are not buying books and ... movies. They are also going to the library to look for a job and, for some people, just because it's warm."

Doyle said the North Suburban Library System recently received state funding that was overdue since July - but only one-third of what they were promised - while library use has increased statewide up to 30 percent.

Several suburban libraries are seeing drops in local funding, too. For example, the Wheaton Public Library lost $300,000 last year from the city and is slated to lose another $300,000 in fiscal year 2010-11.

Director Sarah Meisels said that not only prevents the library from purchasing new books and equipment for patrons, but could mean reducing service hours.

"We're faced with budget cuts that are just going to cripple our operation," Meisels said.

Once the surveys, comments and photos from Wednesday's campaign are compiled, organizers said the information will be used to push for more funding. It also will be used in library newsletters and other publicity materials.

Carole Medal, executive director of the Public Library District in Elgin and president of the Illinois Library Association, said how the results are used will vary according to each library's needs.

While her library in Elgin is seeing reductions in state funding, she said its status as an independent taxing body makes budgeting easier than those whose funds are tied to a municipal government.

As a result, some libraries might want to head straight to their city councils or village boards, she said.

"Now they can take this information from Wednesday and say 'Look, if the library was closed today, how would these people have applied for jobs or checked out materials? Look how many people would not be served,'" Medal said.