Libraries Try to Keep Service at a High Level, Despite Budget Cuts

In a down economy, library patronage increases significantly, and it's no different in Silver Spring.

Family trips to the local multiplex are replaced with free DVD rentals, loaner CDs take the place of downloading the latest hits from iTunes and trips to the bookstore for summer blockbusters become borrowing (and returning!) bestsellers from our local branches.

From fiscal year 2009 to fiscal year 2011, the budget for Montgomery County's 21 libraries shrank almost 29 percent, from $40 million to $28.5 million. Some signs of reduction, such as limited hours, are immediate and obvious, but there are other effects that patrons may see happen over a longer period of time.

Dan Beavin, library manager at the Silver Spring Library, has seen similar budget situations in his 25 years of service in the county's library system.

Whenever the county operating budget is cut, the library has to cut its collection budget, Beavin said. Patrons tend to be disappointed when they can't find a specific item that the library typically would have.

Additionally, the families who take advantage of programs designed to entertain, educate and illuminate children may find fewer opportunities.

"Even with the generous support of the Friends of the Library, we have had to reduce the number of family-oriented events, and focus primarily on early literacy for kids," said Mary Louise Daneri, library manager of the Long Branch Library.

Immigrants to the area are also feeling the sting of the cuts.

"We have a high number of immigrants in Silver Spring, and many come in with interest in learning English, or have questions about the local area," Beavin said.

"Less budget means less training, and makes it more difficult to fulfill all of their needs, but we find ways to adapt."

With their computers, the library helps many immigrants — such as "Susana" Haile, who came to the Silver Spring area from Ethiopia in 2008 — to stay in touch with their families back home.

"The library is a blessing. To be able to write to family in other countries on the computer is wonderful," Haile said. "To borrow books for free is wonderful. It would sadden me if it went away."

While the sheer number of offerings may be reduced, both area libraries are trying to maintain the same level of customer service they are known for.

Even with lines that might move a little slower, Daneri said, patrons are still taking the time to thank the staff for their service.

"Budget issues aside, our customer service level remains the same, as high as it used to be," she said.