The Jacksonville Public Library system is comprised of a 297,000 sq. ft. Main Library and 20 regional, community and neighborhood branch libraries. It also serves the needs of the community with a Talking Books Library for visually and hearing-impaired customers and an active adult literacy program.
More than 5 million people visited Jacksonville Public Libraries and more than 9.1 million items were checked out last year. The library’s website was visited nearly 5 million times during that same period.
In recent years, the library has struggled with meeting a growing need for its services with reduced funds for operations, materials and personnel. A similar scenario is expected for the next several years, with public demand for services increasing while the city struggles to fund these services.
Faced with that reality, the library last year undertook a capacity plan study to help determine the ability of the library to provide sustainable services to the citizens of Jacksonville during these challenging economic times. The findings of that study will be returned early in 2011 and will assist in planning for the most effective use of tax dollars in providing the services the community desires.
2011 Budget:
The total budget, which includes the General Fund and a Special Revenue Fund, for the Jacksonville Public Library is $39,743,559.
The General Fund - GSD budget is $39,602,759.
During the fiscal year 2011 budget process, the Public Library eliminated the following:
- Seven positions in facilities and outsourced intra-library distribution, saving nearly $100,000 in fiscal year 2010.
- Two full-time positions in finance administration and community relations, saving more than $120,000.
- Cut the materials budget by $537,000 in order to maintain full hours and staffing at all 21 library locations.
2010 Budget:
The total budget, which included the General Fund and a Special Revenue Fund, for the Jacksonville Public Library was $41,939,848.
The General Fund - GSD budget was $41,789,848.
Did You Know:
Every $1 spent on the Jacksonville Public Library returns $4.04 to the community in economic benefit. Every $1 spent on the library increases personal income by $15.