Ridgewood Library seeks return to 2009 funding level
APRIL 10, 2014 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014, 2:55 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood Public Library is seeking a 1.9 percent increase over last year’s department budget, a sum that would return its municipal funding to 2009 levels. Library officials reviewed their proposed 2014 spending plan with Village Council members Monday afternoon, focusing their presentation on key elements of the $2.32 million budget.
Members of Ridgewood’s Emergency Services and Office of Emergency Management also detailed their respective spending proposals earlier this week, as the municipality inches closer to finalizing its 2014 budget. The village’s governing body is expected to introduce the municipal budget April 23, with a public hearing and vote to adopt scheduled for May 28.
Much of the library’s operating budget was dismantled about six years ago, when the global financial crisis rocked all levels of government. Since then, the library has attempted to do more with less, while trying annually to recoup its funding.
Director Nancy Greene provided several library highlights, such as a 10 percent increase in both attendance at library programs and the number of reference questions directed to staff members. Notable programs include English as a Second Language, special needs events, technology training and student-to-student homework help.
