Pillars of the community

I’ve been called a lot of names. Lately, I’ve been called passionate, brave, and, well... crazy. With a name like Cindy Smith, I suppose I need some kind of unique identifier. Maybe you know me as “that library woman.” I am probably most closely associated with my advocacy on behalf of the Wayne County libraries.

I’ve resisted being labeled an “advocate;” it seems so political, and for some reason sounds defensive to me. I don’t want to fight; I just want to make it all better. I’ve attended dozens of library advocacy meetings and workshops, but I have to admit when budget numbers start popping up, I glaze over. Why can’t it just be about doing the best thing for the community? Why do I need to know percentages? I don’t think the public or the commissioners understand the ramifications of county funding. I know that it took me years, literally, to “get it.” So, fast-forward a few years and this is what I’ve learned.

The seven libraries in Wayne County are currently running on 42 percent donations raised from the public. The state average is around 15 percent, so Wayne County citizens are showing the libraries incredible support by contributing in a myriad of ways from annual appeals to special events. To have almost half of the county library budget coming from the public’s personal pocket is a proud statement.

It’s also disturbing, knowing how tenuous monies from fundraising are. If a fundraiser doesn’t do as well as expected, a void is left in the budget that is often not recoverable.

The commissioners have referred to us as just another organization wanting more money However, the public libraries cannot be compared to other non-profits. By law, the libraries are limited to certain avenues of revenue. For example, the library can’t charge residents who use libraries for those services. Other organizations can charge membership fees, user fees or entrance fees.

In addition, county residents that need the public libraries most are traditionally the least able to give a personal donation. I believe that makes the libraries’ situation unique, and ultimately dependent on the discretion of the commissioners.

I recently had a conversation with a library supporter who asked if the libraries are simply trying to do too much. “Can’t you just cut back on programs?” he asked. The answer isn’t simple. The state currently provides 33 percent of the total library revenue. Those monies are bound by certain requirements determined by the population numbers in order to receive state funds. The county libraries are barely meeting state requirements, which are based on the most recent census. By the 2010 census, more will be required as our growing population numbers become official. Add to that the state’s formula for aid distribution.

That formula is called an incentive formula, structured to increase local government funding. If the state sees that the county values their libraries through funding, then they give more state aid. However, that can be frightening for Wayne County given its low county funding. It puts a multiplier effect on declines in county funding, and means our state taxes will go to another county that does support its libraries.

Seems unfair, doesn’t it? The state needs some way to determine how to distribute funds. They want to distribute the funds to the communities that value the investment. If the local government is responding to library needs, the state can conclude they are acting on behalf of their constituents. Therefore, state money follows county money.

By the amount they contribute to fundraisers, we know Wayne County citizens value their libraries. A survey conducted by the Wayne Library Authority will help determine which services are valued most. (You can participate in the survey until December 2 at www.waynelibraries.org .) What do you think is important about your library? I believe libraries are critical for the literacy of our community. Literacy has proven to lower crime and unemployment. That simply sounds like a happier place to be, for us and future generations.

[Cindy Smith is the art director of Highlights For Children and a member of both the Wayne Library Authority and the Wayne County Public Library Board.]

This bi-weekly column is a part of a valley-wide initiative to encourage an engaged citizenry. For a complete archive of visioning statements and for more about the visioning initiative visit upperdelaware.com.