By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Leaders of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library system continue to respond to the ongoing budget crisis. Thursday, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved a new user fee for non-residents.
More than 6,000 non-residents are registered with the system. However, Library Director Michael Mahaney says only 2,200 make a regular visit and borrow material. He admits that this new user fee won't generate a "significant amount of revenue." But say it is a step toward generating some new dollars as the system continues to loose more county funding.
However, downsizing is still on the board's agenda. Mahaney says they continue examining plans to close some of the 52 branches.
"We know that there is not enough money to sustain the mechanism of public service that Erie County has had for years. We are fortunate that we have a little more time to develop a reasonable plan," Mahaney said. "But we do not believe there's going to be sufficient revenues to support an entire 52 library system."
But the "Save Our Libraries" Coalition is urging board members not to cut branches. Elizabeth Berry says it is the central library that is too costly. The coalition calls it a "white elephant."
"That one building out of 52 -- we think it is the money pit that threatens to take the other 52 branches down with it," Berry said.
Mahaney says the Central Library does cost more to operate. But he says it not just a downtown branch. Mahaney maintains that it is a key component of the entire system.
"There is a lot that goes on -- everything from shopping materials, to sorting items, to brining them back to their original location," Mahaney said. "So, the Central Library does cost more than the other branches. But if you ever visit it on a Sunday afternoon you will see that many people use it as their branch."
The new user fee will cost non-resident $40 a year. But non-residents who work, attend school or own property in Erie County will be exempt from the fee. The new fee takes effect April 18th.