Wheaton, library, talking about restoring funding, Friday hours
Wheaton officials are considering a proposal to restore some funding so the Wheaton Public Library could reverse its decision to close on Fridays.
But first they have to find enough money in the city’s budget to provide the $150,000 the library is requesting.
“I don’t know that we can do it, ť Mayor Michael Gresk said Tuesday. “I am certainly willing to talk about it, and we’ll see where it progresses. ť
Library and city representatives met on Friday to talk about the possibility of restoring funding. Library board President Colleen McLaughlin said the “cordial ť discussion helped “mend some fences and restore communications. ť
In the weeks leading up to the Friday closures, library supporters complained about city council members cutting $300,000 from the library in order to help balance Wheaton’s budget.
Then when the Friday closures took effect early this month, city council members criticized the library board for making the cost-cutting move.
While Friday’s meeting went a long way in clearing the air, McLaughlin said city officials are noncommittal when it comes to granting the library’s $150,000 request.
“We came away from it not overly optimistic that the funds will be forthcoming, ť she said. “There were no promises or anything made. It’s up to the council. ť
Gresk said one significant obstacle could be Gov. Pat Quinn’s proposal to reduce municipalities’ share of the state income tax. If Quinn’s plan to cut municipalities’ share of state income tax from 10 percent to 7 percent is approved, it’s estimated that Wheaton could lose roughly $1.3 million a year.
Then Wheaton would have to go back and make more spending cuts Ã¢â‚¬â€ť and not be in a position to restore any library funding.
“It very well might end up that the library is closed on Fridays for the near-term, ť Gresk said.
The Friday closures were implemented because full- and part-time library employees have had their pay reduced by 10 percent and must take 26 furlough days this year. Closing Fridays through Labor Day will save the library about $70,000, officials estimate.
Even if the library’s Friday hours are restored, McLaughlin said, the 124,518-square-foot facility wouldn’t have a full complement of staff and have no programs on those days.
Meanwhile, McLaughlin said she believes members of the public are “adjusting very well ť to the Friday closures.
“They are being very gracious about the situation, ť she said, adding the library has seen record crowds on Thursdays and Saturdays this month. The library is closed Sundays during the summer.