M.D. OF BONNYVILLE – With more than 35,000 visits a year and hundreds of community programs, the Bonnyville Municipal Library is asking the M.D. of Bonnyville to increase its financial support in 2027.

Library Manager Stefanie Schienbein and Assistant Manager Linda Smiley presented the library’s proposed budget to council during its October 27 regular meeting, requesting $178,942.68, a five percent increase over the previous year’s municipal contribution.

The additional funding would help the library keep up with rising operating costs while maintaining its current services, programs and resources.

According to the library’s budget presentation, the increase is needed to “sustain core operations, offset inflation, maintain our current high service quality.”

More than just books

The library’s latest figures show just how busy the facility has become.

Over the course of a year, the library recorded 35,168 visits, circulated 61,618 items and hosted 431 in-person programs that attracted a combined 7,735 participants.

The library also reported 1,739 memberships, more than 28,000 Wi-Fi uses and over 3,000 questions answered by staff.

Beyond lending books, the library provides free programming for children, families, seniors and other community members.

Those programs range from early literacy activities and creative workshops to educational opportunities and community gatherings.

The library also works with several local organizations, including FCSS, Iron River School, LICA, Dragonfly and Successful Families Successful Kids, to expand its programming and community reach.

Where the money goes

The library’s proposed 2027 operating budget totals $ 483,056.78, with the largest expense being salaries and benefits at approximately $374,267.

Other major expenses include building maintenance, utilities, insurance and payments to the Northern Lights Library System.

The proposed budget also includes $6,550 for library programming and $1,602 for the summer reading program.

In addition to the M.D.’s requested contribution, the library’s financial plan includes $150,714.33 in direct funding from the Town of Bonnyville, provincial funding allocated through both municipalities, grants, donations and other revenue.

The library also plans to draw approximately $24,193 from its reserves to balance the proposed budget.

Funding decision still to come

While council received the presentation, it has not yet approved the library’s request.

Council accepted the information and directed administration to bring the funding request forward for consideration during the M.D.’s 2027 budget deliberations.

That means the library will have to wait until council works through its upcoming budget discussions to learn whether it will support the requested five percent increase.

For now, the library is hoping its continued use by residents and its role in providing accessible community programming will help make the case for another year of municipal support.