Library Funding - Mount Prospect Public Library

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Library System Funding in Jeopardy

In recent weeks, there have been a number of articles about Library funding.

Here is some background information to help explain how MPPL is funded, what the state funds cover, and how state funding affects the Mount Prospect community.

How is MPPL funded?

Property taxes provide 96% of the Library’s funding.

Does the Library get any funds directly from the state?

Yes, through the per capita grant, MPPL receives less than .7% of its revenue from the state.

What is the state funding for libraries that has been talked about in the news?

The $15 million in funding currently making headlines is for the Illinois Library Systems.

What are the Illinois Library Systems?

The Illinois Library Systems, established by the General Assembly in 1967, is the organization that helps coordinate library services and facilitates the sharing of materials for a group of libraries, generally organized by geography. There are nine multi-type Library Systems in Illinois which provide support to public, academic, school, and special libraries in the state. Together, they create a network that connects libraries throughout the state.

What do the Illinois Library Systems do for me?

Through this network, libraries are able to share materials. This means if a Mount Prospect resident would like an item not currently held at MPPL, the item can be obtained from another library in the state at no cost to the resident.

Could libraries in Illinois continue to share materials without Illinois Library Systems?

It is unknown if borrowing materials from other libraries (reciprocal borrowing) would continue. If items could still be borrowed, then, in theory, a resident could possibly drive to another library to pick up and return items.

Or, it may be possible to mail items, rather than use the van delivery system, but at an estimated cost of about $123 million.

The average cost of using either standard U.S. mail, or one of the delivery services, such as UPS or Fedex, is $4.40 per item. The math is simple: 28 million library items delivered through the Illinois Library Systems in 2009 x $4.40 equals $123 million that Illinois libraries or their patrons will have to pay out.
The current budget to support Illinois Library Systems is just over $15 million. NSLS’s budget is just over $2 million. Using the mathematic equation above, NSLS’ delivery service shows a return of $9 on every $1 spent on library systems.

What is the current financial situation for the Illinois Library Systems?

The Illinois General Assembly budgeted $15 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, a decrease of 16.5% over the previous year. Prior to that, funding for Illinois Library Systems had remained flat for 18 years. Since July 1, 2009, Systems have only received 58% of the promised funds.

What can I do to help keep the Illinois Library Systems solvent?

Let your local state legislator know that libraries and the Illinois Library Systems are important to you, that you value having access to materials held at all of the libraries in Illinois.

Find and contact your state legislator

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