Question of the Week: Should Library 'Do More with Less'?

After declining property values again sapped revenues, the library is looking at a $115,000 budget gap. Library Director Nancy Greene for a good chunk of change–$76,750–or the library would have to significantly dock back its book buying budget and close up to 17 days a year, which residents at the most recent council meeting said would be damaging to the community. Children would be most impacted, residents said.

But none of the proposed budget scenarios–ranging from a rise in municipal taxes of 5.2 and 7.4 percent–include Greene's request and several commenters on here said Greene should cut back further as other village institutions have.

Greene has said her budget has declined over the past two years and the $76,750 would not represent 'an increase' but merely level it to 2010. Greene said the library can no longer 'do more with less' without adverse consequences coming.

What would you do if you were in the council's shoes? Would you grant Greene's request, keep the library open more days? Or would you tell her it just isn't possible given the budgetary difficulties?