Library director seeks HVAC, accessibility and materials funding as services for vulnerable users expand

Tara Mansfield, director of the Salem Public Library, presented the library’s FY2027 personnel and operating budget on May 19 and outlined capital improvement requests tied to building maintenance and accessibility.

Mansfield said the library operates 68 hours per week with 16 full‑time and 25 part‑time staff and that the materials line must be 13% of the library’s budget under state guidelines; the FY27 request increases that line to meet the requirement. Personnel lines reflect negotiated step increases and new stipends in the Salem Library Staff Association contract.

The library highlighted a continuing focus on supporting vulnerable residents who use the building for shelter, device charging, warm water and social connection. Mansfield said staff receive de‑escalation training, naloxone training and that the library partners with Healthy Streets to provide sharps containers when needed; staff call police for sharps collection when necessary.

CIP requests include HVAC repairs, ADA accessibility work and furniture upgrades to make public spaces more person‑centered. Mansfield said the building was last renovated in 1989 and that updates remain on a long‑term punch list.

The committee recommended the library personnel and expenditure line items during the hearing and asked staff to return with CIP details as the council proceeds toward final appropriation.