Saving money, even during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Thunder Bay Public Library reports $250,000 was shed, mostly through reduced staffing costs.
Related: Library Into Phase 5
“It was a bold move, but the (library) board thought it was a good thing to do,” says John Pateman, Chief Librarian and CEO. “It’s very unusual of course to be in the situation of having spare operating money, but we were able to achieve this through budget management.”
The library does indicate that there have been increased and unanticipated costs due to the global pandemic.
The board says it will send the $250,000 windfall back to the City of Thunder Bay to help fund emergency services, shelters and other key services.
PHASE FIVE
“People are placing holds, picking them up and returning books in a contactless fashion. Business is picking up at all four library locations. We’re very happy with the progress in Phase Five,” indicates Pateman.
PHASE SIX
“In order to move ahead in our seven-phase approach, we’ll have to put in safety measures, including plexiglass, so the library space is safe for patrons and staff,” notes Pateman.
There’s no set time for the move up.
