The four-month-long budget impasse in Illinois has hurt agencies throughout the state, including public libraries.
Harriett Zipfel, director of the Galesburg Public Library, said she expects a shortfall of about $40,000 as a result of the impasse.
The money that normally comes from a state-appropriated per capita grant is earmarked for the purchase of new books, CDs and other items, Zipfel tells Galesburg’s Evening News on WGIL..
“This is the worst I’ve seen it,” says Zipfel. “This is a new development that even last with having trouble to pass a budget, it never threatened the per capita grant in the past. This year the state library has warned us that it is a distinct possibility.”
The lack of funds has not stopped the library’s plans to construct a new downtown facility.
Zipfel said the library has purchased two properties on Academy Street that are awaiting asbestos testing before construction can begin.
Although the library’s per capita grant is in limbo, a separate grant through the Easter Seals Foundation has helped pay for programs and training to better assist autistic children and adults.
Jane Easterly, assistant library director, said the grant has helped pay for a sensory story time program for children who may need more active engagement during story time.
The program will be available on the first Saturday of November and December.
