Out of money, local libraries likely to seek levy lid lift this spring.

For literati lamenting the inevitable decline of the written word, fear not – local libraries aren’t languishing.

In fact, they’re very much alive.

Every day on the island, library doors swing open about 1,200 times, welcoming Bainbridge book-hounds in to surf the net, browse through databases and, presumably, read.

Trends are similar throughout the Kitsap Regional Library system – of which the Bainbridge branch is a part – where 2.5 million items are checked out annually.

But of all the materials housed in KRL’s collection, one in particular – its bank register – is pushing its way to the forefront.

That’s because no matter how many times library leaders study it, they must swallow the same disturbing barb of information, a $2.1 million shortfall for 2008.

“It drives me crazy,” said KRL director and Bainbridge resident Jill Jean, of the system’s funding, 95 percent of which comes from property taxes. “I feel for the voters and it’s hard for us. Elections cost a lot of money.”

Libraries survive almost exclusively on levy money – about 30 cents for every $1,000 of assessed property value – collected from homeowners across Kitsap County.

Because KRL has limited funding options, that number could jump to as much as 50 cents per $1,000 should voters approve a levy lid lift this May.

While neither the amount nor the decision to seek a lid lift are yet official, Jean said the library’s board of trustees is expected to turn to voters following their meeting later this month. The move was already recommended by a community advisory committee. If passed, the measure would provide KRL with stable funding through 2011 or 2012. In its 52-year history, KRL has sought a lid lift one other time, in 1979.

Library funding statewide has lagged behind growth and usage since the passage of Initiative 747 in 2001 required local taxing districts – including libraries – to seek voter approval before raising their levies by more than 1 percent. Demand for library service has over that period increased five times faster than KRL’s revenue. Facing similar shortfalls, many library systems elsewhere have sought lid lifts to cure their funding ills. Voters in both Pierce and Spokane counties last fall approved lid lifts that will take effect this year. Jefferson County is seeking a lid lift in next month’s election.

KRL has some 642,000 items in its collection and 155 public access computers – the only gateway to the Internet for many without computers, Jean said. More than 71 percent of Kitsap County residents have an active library card. At the Bainbridge Library, the system’s busiest, Jean said adequate funding is vital to the services that many islanders have come to count on.

“We’re trying to position ourselves for the future,” Jean said, adding that the system regularly surveys its users to help determine future needs. “People want more staff and better technology. We’re the center for access for an awful lot of people.”

But like school and fire districts, libraries are heavily reliant on property taxes to generate revenue. To meet its 2007 budget of $11.3 million, KRL will dip into its reserves for a projected $1.4 million. Last year the system spent $841,000 in reserve money. Though KRL’s revenue has been steadily declining in recent years, board members chose to wait until its reserve funds were mostly depleted before seeking the lid lift.

“It doesn’t seem logical to have a large bank account when we go to voters,” Jean said. “I am confident. My one reservation is that people keep facing one tax increase after another.”

Indeed, islanders next month will decide on a three-year $23.1 million school levy – also vital for day-to-day operations – and a countywide proposition that would raise the sales tax by three-tenths of a cent to pay for foot ferry service between Kitsap County and Seattle.

Jean said KRL is looking for ways to strengthen its library foundation, and is hopeful for a future legislative solution to library funding problems. A lid between 3 and 4 percent would be ideal, Jean said.

Libraries in some states are allowed to generate revenue by charging for library cards or DVD rentals, but libraries in Washington state aren’t allowed to charge for those services.

One thing Jean doesn’t want to change is the ownership of library buildings by communities, as is the case at several of KRL’s branches. KRL pays for staff and resources at the Bainbridge branch, but the building is owned by the public and maintained by private donations.

“It’s an unfortunate situation,” Jean said, of KRL’s finances. “We’re sort of squeezed right now.”

Though she wouldn’t speculate about the specific cuts at libraries should the lid lift not pass, she did offer one final statistic.

“One quarter of our budget,” she said. “We wouldn’t have it.”