Could free library programs eventually come with a price tag in Storm Lake? City leaders are asking some difficult questions as they search for ways to balance the budget.
The Storm Lake City Council met jointly with the Storm Lake Public Library Board of Trustees Monday evening to discuss the library’s finances, operations and possible cost-saving measures as the city prepares its fiscal year 2027-28 budget.
The discussion included suggestions to charge for certain services, seek voluntary donations, expand the use of volunteers and explore new revenue opportunities.
Council members acknowledged that some of those ideas would have been difficult to imagine in previous years. Mayor Meg McKeon described the uncomfortable position facing city officials as they consider changes to services traditionally provided at little or no cost to residents.
The library’s current fiscal year budget includes approximately $27,500 in projected revenues and $475,600 in expenses, with personnel accounting for 72% of expenses. The library is funded primarily through the city’s general fund, along with support from Buena Vista County and revenue from library fees.
Library Director Elizabeth Huff told the council the library has already taken steps to control spending, including reducing staffing hours. Library Board President Mary Kay Hudspeth said the library now has two full-time and five part-time employees.
According to city financial records, the library’s net operating cost declined from approximately $404,700 in fiscal year 2024-25 to $351,400 the following year — a reduction of more than 13%.
Hudspeth said employees are already working at capacity, leaving little room for further staffing reductions.
Huff said additional budget cuts could force the library to reduce operating hours, increase fees or rely more heavily on volunteers. She also said the library would consider dropping from its current Tier 3 accreditation level through the State Library of Iowa, which could mean giving up some state aid. Huff said library officials are prepared to adapt rather than dwell on the challenges.
The discussion also turned to finding new revenue without eliminating programs.
Council member Maggie Martinez questioned whether the University of Iowa could pay to use the library’s video conferencing room, which opened in 2024 as Iowa’s first public library telehealth room. The space is now being used for additional purposes, including virtual legal meetings, and is expected to support a University of Iowa health care initiative involving diabetic foot care.
Huff said charging the university for the space had not been considered because the arrangement was viewed as a community partnership. She agreed to raise the possibility with the university’s research partners.
Council members also questioned whether families attending children’s programs could make small contributions to help offset costs.
Library officials said the Friends of the Storm Lake Public Library, a volunteer fundraising organization established in 1998, already covers programming expenses and has purchased furniture and other equipment for the library. The Friends also support activities including summer reading, children’s programming and the library’s Pokemon Club.
During the discussion, council member Maria Ramos suggested placing signs at programs or adding wording to marketing materials to let families know that donations are welcome, rather than requiring payment.
Huff said that would represent a change in how the library has traditionally approached its programs but the idea would be considered.
Despite the financial challenges, the library continues to serve thousands of residents. City records show more than 7,800 library card accounts, while digital checkouts increased nearly 14% between fiscal years 2024-25 and 2025-26. The library also provides public computers, internet access, educational programs and partnerships with Buena Vista University and the University of Iowa.
Hudspeth emphasized that the library has already worked to keep expenses low while maintaining services.
The council made no decisions on library funding during Monday’s work session. The discussion was informational only as the city continues developing its next budget.
