Last month, we polled the state’s public library directors on how the economic downturn has affected them. Almost all respondents claim that, though they are not in immediate peril of closing their doors, they are dealing with serious cutbacks in a time of even greater need. Several directors reported dramatic increases in circulation and patron visits while balancing much tighter budgets.

Pamela Nyberg Kiesner, director of Bellingham Public Library, will reduce her materials budget by 20%, among other savings measures, but reports a 15% circulation increase over last year. “We are enthusiastic about the (circulation) increases,” she said. “Yet we are struggling to keep up.”

Respondents also reveal myriad ways they’re handling cutbacks. Jennifer Ashby, director of Asotin County Library, said they have decreased travel, programming and materials orders, and have cut the heating and cooling to one or two degrees beyond comfortable.

See all responses here.