Denver Public Library 2010 Budget Survey

During the past month, the Mayor and other City officials have spoken about the growing gap between revenue projections and next year's budget needs. The City’s projected deficit has increased from $70 million to $120 million. The Library, along with all other City agencies and departments, has been asked to submit budget reduction options.

At this time we are anticipating the cut to be about 14% or $4.75 million. The Mayor's office conducted a series of budget information meetings and surveyed citizens for input about reductions and cuts in services. For libraries, two questions were asked: Would you prefer a reduction in hours, or would you prefer the closure of underutilized branches? Fifty-nine percent of the citizens responded in favor of reducing hours, while 41% preferred to close underutilized branches.

We are asking you, our customers, to complete a survey to learn what is important to you when considering library service reductions. Your perspective on these issues is very important as we face the difficult decisions ahead.

Please review the summary information below and click on the survey link at the bottom of the page.

Some Facts You Need to Know to Before Taking the Survey:

2010 Budget

• City-wide $120 Million Gap
• Potential 14% reduction to Library budget = $4.75 million
• The City’s General Fund, primarily from sales tax revenue, makes up 90% of the Library budget
• Library personnel (staff salary and benefits) comprise 72% of the total Library budget

Current Savings Strategies

• Efficiencies gained by technology
• City-wide employee pay reductions
• Significant reduction in hiring beginning August 2008
• Reductions in administrative and support positions
• Materials budget reductions

System-wide Hours in 2002 = 1087 per week

Current System-wide Hours = 980 per week

• 3 locations open 4 days per week
• 10 locations open 5 days per week
• 1 location open 5.5 days per week
• 8 locations open 6 days per week
• 1 location open 6.5 days per week
• 2 of the locations are open 4 hours on Sundays

Potential 2010 hours with 14% cut =

• 732 open hours per week or closing and selling 7 branches

2007 Better Denver Bond Program
Bond funds restricted to capital improvements, cannot be used for operations. By law the Bond funds must be expended within a prescribed period of time. Bond funds are being used for library renovations, safety and technology upgrades and construction of three new branch libraries in Green Valley Ranch, Stapleton and West Denver.

Please complete the anonymous survey now.

Denver Public Library 2010 Budget Survey