Library plans fundraisers, cost-cutting amid rising circulation

LOVING THE LIBRARY: Cottonwood Community Library posted a display of hearts with donation ideas on them, such as a $10 valentine to help the library with its PG&E bill.

While the Cottonwood Community Library celebrated 759 new library card holders in 2009, the library may cut its already trim budget by about 8 percent in 2010 from its 2009 budget of $42,340, according to the library's proposed budget estimates for 2010.

"We try to keep it so bare bones," Cottonwood Community Library Director Gail Harrington said, adding that the library has seen increasing costs in worker's compensation and a $1,000 increase in accountant services.

Currently, the library is completely community funded, according to Cottonwood Community Library Board President Cheryl Walther.

"We would love to see a government entity (contribute), but we're going to continue on as we are until that happens," Walther said.

While the library won't cutback on services, the library will instead realize a savings from reused materials purchased in previous years, according to Harrington.

The library's proposed budget includes a $1,500 cut in fundraising costs, Harrington said, which will be realized by printing in-house as well as reusing signs from last year in this year's fundraisers.

"It makes us smile to drive by and see all the people here," Walther said. "We (board members and volunteers) work long hours for these fundraisers."

The proposed budget also includes a $500 savings in adult literacy education materials that will be realized by reusing the materials previously purchased, Harrington said.

As to the library's fundraising, Harrington said more and more people have limited discretionary income, so the library must compete for the money people are willing to spend to support various non-profits.

In January, the library made $3,000 on its first crab feed, and during its February book sale, the library made $455, Harrington said, adding that all funds made through book sales this year will go to purchasing new library books and materials.

"Before, we needed the money to keep the doors open," she said.

A fundraiser held this month offers free admission to all library events throughout the year by becoming a member of "The Friends of the Cottonwood Community Library," Harrington said. The timing also coincides with Love Your Library month as celebrated by Friends and Foundations of California Libraries.

On Feb. 26, at 5:30 p.m., the library will hold a bunco and dinner fundraiser.

The library has also planned a golf tournament fundraiser in May, the details of which were not yet available, Harrington said.

The library features 21,000 volumes in its collection, with 3,900 library card holders and a 1,500 item-per-month circulation, Harrington said.

For more information about the library or its fundraisers, call 347-4818.