Ferguson Library Perseveres through Budget Cuts

faced a $1.2 million budget cut this year that has resulted in reduced hours and a decrease in employees' salaries and benefits — changes that are resonating with residents across the city.

"People feel for us —it's their library," said Linda Avellar, Ferguson Library's communications supervisor. "It's hard on the staff and on the public."

Despite that cutbacks, Avellar anticipates another year of record circulation. In tough financial times, more people than ever turn to their public library as a resource.

Caroline Ward, the facility's youth services coordinator, said she balances anxieties about the future of the library with a sunny outlook.

"I'm just trying to be positive," she told Patch.

The staff worked to reduce hours with the lowest possible impact on the community. This has often meant cutting mornings in favor of evening hours to accommodate people coming in after work and children using the library for homework.

The reduction in hours has been most severe on the three branch libraries: , , and . Each branch is closed on staggered days throughout the week. As the busiest branch, Harry Bennett Branch has been the hardest hit.

Staggered hours have redirected some library traffic. Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch, located less than two miles from the Harry Bennett Branch, has seen increased foot traffic since the new hours took effect, officials say.

Budget cuts have also affected the children's programming. Ward emphasized the importance of the infant, toddler and preschool programs.

"We're the only game in town for many of these literacy programs," she said.

The staff has found creative ways to keep their programs going. Before the budget cuts, participation in many of the programs for children required registration. Today, drop-in programs are used to reduce paperwork and save time. Ward's staff has seen a positive reaction from library patrons.

Ward has worked throughout the budget cuts to keep her staff motivated in uncertain times. "It's taken an emotional toll on everyone," she said. "The most important thing I can do is make sure they're feeling valued."

Fundraising efforts have taken on added importance and patrons have contributed over $12,000 in the past few months through the donation envelopes available at book checkout counters.

Avellar is reassured by the public's response. "People want to help," she said. "We recently had a third grade student raise $80 with a lemonade stand outside the library."

Hours for Ferguson LIbrary and its branches are as follows:

• Ferguson's Main Library is open 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday; and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday.
• Harry Bennett is open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m Monday and Wednesday; 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday.
• South End is open 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday, and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday.
• Weed Memorial & Hollander is open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday.