Library Requests Over $500K for 2025 Budget; Named Fifth Busiest in State

Oxford’s Library Proves its Popularity

The Lafayette County & Oxford Public Library has secured its position as the fifth busiest individual library branch in Mississippi, according to the latest evaluation by the Mississippi Library Commission. “When we get that report again, I would not be surprised if we are pushed up to third busiest,” mentioned Lori Barnes, director of the First Regional Library, which runs the Oxford & Lafayette County Library.

Library Usage and Community Reach

Barnes presented the annual report on the local library’s usage and its budget request for the upcoming year to the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors on Monday. With close to 78,974 visitors since October 1, 2023, and over 140, 510 items lent out, the library has proven its unmatched utility to the community. Offering a variety of programs, as many as 258 in total, the library has managed to attract an impressive number of 5,964 attendants.

The library, as claimed by Meridith Wulff, the head librarian at the Oxford branch, is more than just a haven for books. It’s indeed an integral part of the community, catering to people of all ages and tastes. With an impressive 7% increase in the library’s visitation; an 8% rise in the figure of borrowed items, and a 14% hike in attendance of several programs conducted, it’s no surprise that the library’s growing impact is palpably felt in the community. To top it all, community outreach has astonishingly rocketed by 60%.

Budget Ask for Fiscal Year 2025

Considering recent growth and the importance the library holds, it’s seeking $565,835 for the fiscal year, a 5% increase compared to the previous year. This additional amount sought would be utilized for dealing with the impact of inflation, hiking staff salaries, and an all-important purchase of a new Words on Wheels Book Wagon. The book wagon, serving as an early literacy mobility vehicle, circulates around the county dispensing books and literacy aid to children across the region. “We’re looking to purchase a new one and that will be a huge expense for us,” Barnes says.

Now, the ball lies in the court of the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors. They are in consultation over the projected annual budget and are expected to present it soon, most probably in August, for public review. The budget’s approval is crucial and must be executed before a hard deadline of September 15. While no decision on the library’s budget proposal was taken on Monday, it’s likely to be considered with other budget proposals in due course.

Community at Large Effects

The outcome of this budget proposal would certainly determine the local Oxford & Lafayette library’s future course. And judging by its recent impressive growth figures and influence within the community, this budget ask seems justifiable and crucial for furthering the library’s growth and utility for all Oxford residents.