Many valley libraries will stay open an hour longer
Most local libraries will be staying open an hour later, the governing board decided Thursday night.
Hours at the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District’s 14 urban branches were cut three years ago amid plunging tax revenues. Nearly 100 jobs were eliminated then, too.
But district Executive Director Jeanne Goodrich told the board Thursday that the district’s financial position has improved since then.
“We’re starting to turn the corner,” she said. She said the libraries will stay open until 8 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. beginning Sept. 3.
The picture is murkier in North Las Vegas, where the City Council is considering more budget cuts. The Henderson libraries will see no major cuts this year.
Goodrich said the district’s $67 million budget will include hiring 10 new employees and keeping the libraries open seven days a week.
“We’re a 24/7 town,” she said. “We need to do that.”
The board voted unanimously to adopt the budget with a modest increase over last year’s $65 million budget.
“I’m just thrilled with more people, more hours,” board Vice Chairman Ron Kirsh said. “It’s an incredible feeling bringing people back on.”
About 61 percent of the district’s revenue comes from property taxes. Owners of a $100,000 home pay about $33 a year in property taxes toward the library system, which covers Las Vegas and unincorporated Clark County.
Sales taxes account for about 30 percent of the revenue, and the rest is mostly fines and fees for services.
Of the total $67 million budget, 78 percent goes into the general fund, which pays for everything from new books to librarians’ salaries. The rest goes toward debt service and capital projects, primarily.
Salaries and benefits account for almost two-thirds of the general fund, with the rest going toward services, supplies and new materials.
Goodrich said the materials fund, which represents about 15 percent of the overall general fund, will remain about the same.
The only significant change will be that the budget for electronic books will just about double.
Contact reporter Richard Lake at rlake@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0307.
