Fayetteville, Ark. – The Fayetteville Public Library is actively evaluating options to cut its operating budget after Mayor Molly Rawn directed all city departments to consider a 15% reduction for the 2027 fiscal year. Executive Director David Johnson told trustees the library must examine how to achieve the cut while preserving essential services.
Potential Savings Measures
One proposal on the table is closing the library one day each week, a move that could generate significant savings. Johnson emphasized that the library would remain open the majority of the week and that the board is “going to uncover every stone” to avoid drastic reductions.
Revenue Committee Formed
To guide the process, the library has created a long‑term revenue committee composed of the presidents of the Board of Trustees and the Foundation board, additional board members and community stakeholders. The committee will gather ideas, assess their alignment with the library’s mission, and recommend viable options.
Among the ideas discussed was the possibility of charging for library cards. While Johnson noted that such a fee could conflict with the public‑library purpose, he said it is a question worth exploring as the committee weighs all alternatives.
Strategic Planning Outlook
The meeting also featured a presentation on a strategic planning process that will shape the library’s direction over the next three to five years. The library has operated under a master plan that began in 2012‑13 and runs through about 2030. With the recent expansion completed and debt retired, Johnson said it is time to consider “what does the library do going forward?” The plan will involve extensive community outreach to identify resident needs and interests.
Library Workers’ Bill of Rights
Trustees approved a Library Workers’ Bill of Rights, a document developed by the American Library Association in 2026 to set standards for treating staff with dignity. The library will add the bill to its policy manual as a reference for workplace decisions.
Legal Challenge to Arkansas Act 372
The board also discussed supporting legal representation for employees as the library challenges Arkansas Act 372 in federal court. The 2023 law creates a criminal offense for furnishing material deemed harmful to minors and requires public libraries to establish procedures for material challenges. Fayetteville Library is the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit joined by 17 other plaintiffs, arguing that the law’s definitions are overly vague. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that the contested provisions can be enforced, overturning a lower‑court block.
Safety and Staffing Concerns
Public comments raised concerns about recent human‑resources issues and safety at the library’s Center for Innovation and its catwalks. Johnson said the library investigated the reports, made personnel changes, and is improving inspection procedures. He affirmed, “The library has never been unsafe.” The Center’s ventilation system was designed for high air exchange, and additional equipment is being installed. Daily catwalk inspections are now documented in written procedures.
Social Media Policy Development
Board members also reviewed a proposed employee social‑media policy, which has been in development for about 18 months and is modeled on policies from other libraries and American Library Association guidelines. Attorneys have reviewed the draft, and trustees felt it is ready for further discussion at a future meeting.
At the close of the session, trustees voted to schedule the board’s December meeting on the first Monday of each year, ensuring continued oversight of these critical issues.
Original reporting: 40/29 News KHBS Fort Smith (local) — read the source article.
