Budget Facts
FAQ's for Proposed 2012 Budget Reductions and the Impact on DPL
What is the logic behind the minimum service hours recommendations?
The minimum service hours of at least 40 hours per week at branch libraries and 56 hours per week at Central allow Library staff, collections, technology, programs and services to be available to Denver residents in the most efficient, effective and consistent manner. Further reductions in hours will result in a majority of locations being open only three days per week. This means that customers can not access the information, programs, staff expertise and materials the library offers most of the time. Instead, a minimum of 40 hours per week (five days) allows customers to find what they need, when they need, but will force the library to eliminate some locations to shift resources to best meet customer needs across the City.
Why did the Library Commission recommend branch closures vs. further reduce hours, and keep them all open?
The Library Commission does not want any branch locations to close. However, they have put forth minimum service hours of at least 40 hours per week at branch libraries and 56 hours/week at Central allow library staff, collections, technology, programs and services to be available to Denver residents in the most efficient, effective and consistent manner. Further reductions in hours will result in a majority of locations being open only three days per week. This means that customers can not access the information, programs, staff expertise and materials the library offers most of the time. Instead, a minimum of 40 hours per week (five days) allows customers to find what they need, when they need, but will force the library to eliminate some locations to shift resources to best meet customer needs across the City. We don't want to be a "part-time" Library. Our goal is to keep all of our locations open at the minimum service levels.
How will the library decide which are the 7-12 branches that may close?
In any possible closure scenarios, the Library will look to minimize service gaps based on geography and will strive to make some Library locations available in every quadrant of the City. As we are very early on in the process, the branches have not yet been identified.
Why are you building new branch libraries when you can’t afford to keep the current branches open? Can any of the money being used for renovations and new branches be used for operations?
In 2007, Denver voters approved the Better Denver Bond which provided $56 million to provide necessary upgrades and improvements to existing Library locations and to build three new branches in areas currently under-served by DPL: Green Valley Ranch, Stapleton, and West Denver. In the first week Green Valley Ranch Branch Library was opened, over 1000 new library cards were issued. The money allocated by the bond can only be used for the purpose the voters intended and cannot be used to fund operations. We have realized some operational savings over the past two (or three?) years as branches are renovated and we’ve been able to reassign staff to locations with vacant positions.
In 2007, no one was anticipating the economic downturn we’ve had to face. The millions of dollars in the 2007 Bond have served as a "mini stimulus" to the Denver economy.
What happens to the books and other materials in those Libraries after they have been shut down? Are the closures permanent? What will be done with the buildings that house those Libraries?
We are in the early stages of our budget negotiations but in the event of branch closures, many of the books and other materials in closed branches would be redistributed throughout the system.
We are not considering the sale of any branch locations to help us meet the current 2012 budget reduction targets. DPL would need to maintain basic maintenance, safety and exterior upkeep of any closed buildings. If we are not able to address the long-term funding gap faced by the Library, we may in the future need to consider permanent closures and sale or re-purposing of the buildings.
What happens to the fines the Library collects, can that help with the budget deficit?
The Library collected about $680,000 in fines in 2010 — that revenue goes back to the City's General Fund, NOT the Library. DPL levies fines to encourage the timely return of Library materials. Customer accounts are blocked at $5 with no additional checkouts allowed until the fines are paid below that amount. Denver Public Library also contracts with Unique National Collections to recover fines and materials owed when account balances exceed $50.
Would DPL consider charging customers fees for goods or services?
No. Providing a free and equitable public library system is at the core of our beliefs, and charging for items would create a higher level of access for those who are able to pay for items they'd like to check out. Our mission is to connect people to information, ideas and experiences to provide enjoyment, enrich lives and strengthen our community - and provide equal access to all.
Will there be any sort of public meetings to discuss this?
Yes, the Library will hold community discussions of our budget situation over the summer, as the City budget process unfolds. The City Council will have budget hearings in the fall before they make any final budget decisions.
What can Library supporters do?
It is still early in the 2012 Budget planning process. Please let your elected officials know how much the Denver Public Library means to you, your family, your neighbors and our City. We are actively pursuing a long-term solution to our budget situation and will need broad support to create a more sustainable funding model for the Denver Public Library.
What’s next?
Library staff will use the Library Commission White Paper to guide the development of our 2012 Budget proposal. In June, the Library, along with all other City agencies and Departments will submit their initial budget proposals for development of the City’s budget that will go to City Council.
