Every time we open Library Journal or even general circulation media, we read about some library somewhere facing another cut. It’s a sign of these times we live in, when libraries and systems face increasing demand amidst flat or declining revenues.

Here are links to articles that illustrate how these trends are impacting regional systems in other states. First comes an update from New Jersey, where the State Library and regional systems face a 74-percent budget reduction. Next comes news from Massachusetts, where the state has merged its six regional library systems into one statewide mega-network.

Even after their most recent reduction, Massachusetts spends $1.35/capita on regional systems. That’s 34-percent more than Illinois, which spends $1.01 per capita for regional library system support.

All of these put our situation into perspective, no? First, Illinois systems continue to deliver good value for taxpayers. Second, in spite of the serious problems facing Illinois, things could be worse.

With our colleagues in other Illinois systems, PALS is working diligently to craft strategies to maintain services amidst one of the worst fiscal crises in our state’s history. Please know we’re looking at every alternative to remain your trusted service provider – now and into the future. With your continued support, we will face these challenges, and emerge even stronger than before.