Regional library system feeling the pinch of the recession
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Tough times came with tough measures for the B.C. public library system this year, Kelowna city council heard on Monday.
Lesley Dieno, executive director of the Okanagan Regional Library System, told council the recession has certainly seen an increase in traffic to the local libraries, up 4.5 per cent and likely to hit six per cent over last year’s numbers by December’s end.
However, that increase has come alongside sweeping provincial funding cuts, which may make it difficult to hold the course let alone meet increased demand.
Provincial funding accounts for roughly 10 per cent of the system’s budget and will be cut by 22 per cent this year, she said. “There are going to be some challenging decisions (ahead),” added library systems financial manager Don Nettleton.
Whether sticking to budgets means a reduction in staff hours or layoffs is not clear at this point, but Nettleton said the system is hoping to avoid drastic measures.
The Okanagan’s library system costs roughly 20 per cent less than other systems in the province, meaning it is already very cost effective for what it offers, he pointed out, noting that municipalities foot the majority of the bill.
jsmith@kelownacapnews.com
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