How is the library funded?
2009 revenues were as follows:

57% from City of Racine
38% from Racine County Residents
        (non-City Residents)
5% from other sources

2009 expenses were as follows:

53% salaries
20% benefits
8% for library materials
20% for utilities, maintenance, etc.

For every dollar invested in the Racine Public Library, the community receives $3.50 back as a return on that investment.

In 2009, the library's budget translated to a per capita cost of approximately $26.15 for residents of the library's service area, about the cost of one book.

The library’s catalog is now Share, providing access to 53 public libraries, school libraries, and public   library systems in Dodge, Jefferson, Racine,  Walworth, and Washington counties in southeastern
Wisconsin.

In 2009, there was a 10% increase in circulation; 75, 161 Internet sessions were recorded from the library's Internet terminals, and 252, 229 people visited the library's website.

Flat Funding is the Foreseeable Future
City and County revenue for 2011 will be essentially flat, and state aids have decreased. But, costs continue to rise. To avoid major service cuts this year, the library has budgeted some of its meager reserve funds, which were originally intended for emergencies. Although the budget for 2011 won't be set until November, when the City of Racine and Racine County adopt their budgets, preliminary estimates are not encouraging. Flat funding, at best, is quite likely.

How can you help?
If you live in the City of Racine, contact the Mayor and your alderman and let them know what you think about library funding. If you don't know where who your alderman is click here.

If you live in a surrounding municipality, contact the County Executive and your County Board Supervisor to let them know what you think about library funding . If you don't know who your County Board Supervisor is, click here.

You can also make personal contributions to supplement the library’s operating budget and help maintain services:
      Book sales
      Fundraising events
      Friends of the Library
      Gifts and memorials
      Racine Public Library Foundation
      Rental collection
     

If you are willing to contact your elected officials in support of library issues, please give us your email address. We will only alert you when your support is needed.