How is the library funded?
2007 revenues were as follows:

54% from City of Racine
35% from Racine County Residents
        (non-City Residents)
2 % from fines and fees
1 % from state aides and grants
8 % from other sources

2007 expenses were as follows:

52% salaries
20% benefits
9% for library materials
19% for utilities, maintenance, etc.

The money that the library receives from the City of
Racine is 3% of the City's total budget.

In 2007, the library’s budget translated to a per
capita cost of $25.46 for residents of the library’s
service area, less than the average price of one adult
hardcover 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.

The combined collection is now over 2.5 million  items.

Flat Funding is the Foreseeable Future
City and County revenue for 2007 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 2008 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.