Lincoln Library seeks $6.31 million for FY2027; staff, programs and digital services highlighted

Lincoln Library Director Gwen Harrison presented a FY2027 budget request of $6,311,139 on behalf of Lincoln Library and Mayor Misty Buscher, emphasizing both service growth and operational pressures. Harrison said the library is fully staffed with 46 employees and noted that personal services remain the largest budget category. She attributed an increase in contractual services to two proposed internships and a director series and said travel costs rose 10% to support continuing education.

Harrison pointed to mixed circulation trends: print circulation dipped in FY2024–25 while digital checkouts have risen significantly since FY2021–22. Programming participation is increasing; Harrison cited a K-pop event that drew about 170 attendees and a summer reading program that exceeded 500 participants. The mobile branch is operating in all 10 wards, she said, and remains an important outreach tool.

On capital and operations, Harrison said the equipment line fell by $221,700 because mobile-branch expenses ended. The library will pursue RFID security upgrades intended to speed checkouts and inventory management, and plans to use a Wagner bequest to buy furniture and an outreach vehicle. She also described a youth services modernization project with architect meetings underway and a goal of beginning construction in 2026, if approved.

Harrison warned of an external supply disruption after longtime book supplier Baker & Taylor announced it would close; staff have selected a replacement through the city's bid process and are establishing new workflows for orders and processing. She also noted staffing diversity and outreach achievements, including growth in social-media engagement.

Councilmembers thanked Harrison and asked about intern qualifications and outreach. Staff said internships for the Sangamon Valley Collection will prefer candidates with or pursuing history degrees, while CoLab interns will need technical skills for makerspace equipment. Mayor Misty Buscher and others praised recent programming and exhibits hosted at Lincoln Library.

The council moved on to subsequent departmental presentations; no formal vote on the library budget request occurred during this workshop session.