Story posted Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Bookmobile Not Spared From Cut Talks
While Des Plaines Library board members have decided not to cease or suspend operation of its bookmobile in 2010, the matter will be discussed sometime early next year for possible changes in 2011.
Newly-appointed library trustee Jeff Rozovics told fellow board members that the finance committee recently discussed the possibility of scaling back bookmobile service. That discussion was sparked by the board's search for spending cuts in light of a $5.2 million projected city deficit in 2010. Trustees did decide to cap future employee merit pay hikes.
The bookmobile, which is a small library on wheels, visits various neighborhoods on a regular basis where residents can gain access to books and other materials close to their homes.
The village of Rosemont contracts with the library for bookmobile visits on a monthly basis from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31 at a rate of $12,000 per year. The bookmobile's annual budget is $178,000, which pays for one full-time, and two part-time employees along with materials, equipment, repairs and fuel.
Library trustees agreed to revisit the bookmobile issue early next year in an effort to determine whether service will be reduced or eliminated in 2011.
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