Peninsula Public Library tightens its budget

Maintaining a keen eye on the budget as income has declined and the cost of employee benefits has risen, the proposed Peninsula Public Library budget of $3.157 million is increasing by less than $40,000 for the 2015-’16 fiscal year.
“We do tight budgeting and we are proud that we are under the cap,” said Assistant Director Carolynn Matulewicz, referring to the state mandated tax cap of 2 percent.
Library income has decreased due to the possibility of a government rebate for phone service fees no longer being available, so PPL officials did not budget for it, said Board President Jeffrey Leb, who added that employee benefits costs are up due to the state mandated increases in retirement and health insurance pay outs.
“To increase income we are looking to more aggressively seek out grant opportunities,” Leb said. “Residents are being asked to support our budget as we provide good services for all ages of our community.”
Programs include lectures on a variety of topics for adults, music concerts, defensive driving classes and free income tax assistance through AARP, along with summer reading activities for children. “We pride ourselves on providing good community service in a small building,” said Matulewicz, who pointed to the recent theatrical presentation by the Plaza Players of “The Wizard of Oz” and the art and music lectures that consistently draw nearly 60 people as ways the library serves its patrons.

Joan Leplestat steps down
After serving for two five-year terms and in every position except for secretary, Joan Leplestat is stepping down from the library board and will continue her involvement with PPL through the Peninsula Library Foundation, an organization that helps to support the facility’s programs and services.