The Chelsea District Library (CDL) Board met on Tuesday night, Aug. 26 for the 2015 budget hearing, as well as the monthly board meeting.
CDL Director William Harmer gave a presentation on the proposed 2015 budget, beginning by giving thanks to all who helped with the campaign to pass the library millage.
According to Harmer’s director’s report “Passing the millage ensures that the library continue to deepen its role as an essential part of community life, maintain its current hours of operation and continue to provide classes, materials, and technology for all ages.”
Harmer began the budget presentation by highlighting the accomplishments of the library, including the newspaper digitization project, the release of the sixth “Stories of Chelsea” film, as well as the hiring of new staff members Patty Roberts, Jessica Schmidt, Kathy Kahler, Mary Tobin, and Emily Brock.
In terms of actual budgetary items, Harmer opened by addressing changes in personnel expenses, highlighted by the introduction of retirement benefits for full-time library staff. If the proposed budget is approved, full-time staff will receive a 5-percent contribution of their salary for this retirement benefit. All library staff will receive a 2-percent raise, while overall, personnel expenses will drop from 60 percent of the total budget to 56 percent of the budget.
There are 10 proposed new Wi-Fi hotspots for areas within the library district with no broadband internet service. The first of these hotspots will be in the Lyndon Township Hall. Residents will be able to use the building to gain internet access during regular township office hours.
The library also proposes to purchase three new Mac computers for public use. This is in response to the requests of many patrons who want to be able to use a Mac instead of a PC. Photo and video editing software will also be purchased for all computers.
The library also proposes to purchase six Kindles, which will be preloaded with content for a new Kindle lending program.
Harmer stated that four times the e-book offerings will also be available next year at a cost of $5,000, and the library will also spend $5,000 for an increased number of Lucky Day DVD titles. Both of these expenses are necessary in order to keep up with demand, Harmer said.
Harmer also announced that 2015 will mark the beginning of a staff exchange program, perhaps the first of its kind. A staff member from a library in South Africa will come to work in the Chelsea District Library, while a CDL staff member will travel to South Africa for a period of employment in a library there.
In other news, Harmer and the board expressed their sincere best wishes to Sara Wedell, the library’s Head of Adult Services. Sara has accepted a new position at the Ann Arbor District Library as a Production Librarian.
The library was the recipient of a substantial donation from Jiffy Mix, receiving $10,000 a year over the next three years. Harmer extended his appreciation to Howdy Holmes for his continued generosity to the library and the community.
The Chelsea District Library also now has a 3D printer, courtesy of a generous donation by long-time library volunteer and computer teacher Scott Baird.
