(55) Library
Recommended Budget FY 23/24
Departmental Overview
The San Benito County Free Library provides the community with lifelong learning opportunities. The library delivers responsive informational, educational, recreational, and cultural library services within a welcoming environment.
Divisions
- Operational Development and Excellence
- Technology
- Community Engagement
.PNG)
Staff
Recent Departmental Accomplishments
• Library has expanded Bookmobile service from 2 days a week to 4 days a week, including additional park stops and community events
• Library has increased Passport service from 2 days a week to 6 days a week
• Library has increased revenues and augmented the library budget significantly due to successful grant writing and partnerships
• Debut of Library Literacy and Technology Mobile through $250,000 California State Library grant
• Broke ground on 24-Hour Library Kiosk project through $500,000 Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS grant)
• Partnered with other funders to augment library kiosk budget, including a Monterey Peninsula Foundation grant for $115,000
• Received $10,000 Zip Books grant from the California State Library
• Received $38,000 ESL grant from California State Library and debut of ESL program
• Library staff continues to participate in the accelerated learning process by obtaining scholarships to attend library workshops, webinars, conferences, and training
Top Departmental Concerns
• Physical space restraints and safety concerns – there has been no library expansion since 1960 and public capacity is extremely limited for a population of more than 60,000
• As library usage and visits continue to escalate, security may be needed.
• Employee retention due to inability to compete with surrounding library system.
Long Range Planning Goals (3-5 years) For Department
• Addition of 45,000 square feet to meet California State Library space standard of 1 square foot per capita
• Augment library book budget to meet California State Library funding standards of $2.50 per capita (current library book budget is approximately $1.60 per capita), while being cognizant of County General Fund levels.
• Increase in permanent, benefitted, full-time library staff to improve employee retention and protect the County’s investment into staff training