Why the London Public Library won't be quiet about this city budget

As far as management at the London Public Library is concerned, the city has some overdue fines when it comes to paying for building maintenance and other costs.  

The city's draft budget landed Monday and the library is one of a few dozen organizations that have submitted a request for extra money. 

At the top of the library's Christmas wish list is $24 million to upgrade and repair buildings, an amount of money that's roughly equal to the library system's annual operating budget.

Chief Librarian Michael Ciccone said the money is needed to maintain a basic level of service and fix up branches that are starting to show their age. 

"We need this to modernize the spaces and provide library services for the 21st century," he said. "We're lagging behind." 

Over the last four years, the library's budget included $500,000 a year to maintain buildings at its 16 branches, including the Central Library on Dundas Street. 

Ciccone said it's a situation that's left the library "terrifically underfunded," leading to delays in upgrades and maintenance that he said are now starting to show. 

Library locations worn down

The Masonville branch was partially closed for a month in October while waiting for parts for its ventilation system. When it rains, staff at the Beacock, Masonville and Central libraries sometimes have to position buckets around the room to keep the floor dry. At the Sherwood location, extension cords are snaked and stretched to power laptops because there aren't enough electrical receptacles.

The library has other budget requests outside of building costs. They're also seeking $1.3 million to enhance their collection, $200,000 for anti-racism and anti-oppression programming and $554,000 to offer more digital services to clients.

Another ask is $250,000 for a swipe card entry system for employees at all branches.

The library wish-list also includes $410,000 to pay for a mental health case manager working at the Central Library. They've had a case manager from the Canadian Mental Health Association since 2022 and if the line item gets approved, it will allow the position to continue for four additional years.

Ciccone said having a person on site able to help people who come in suffering from mental health and addiction issues has been essential at the downtown branch. He said they've connected people to services, helped avoid conflict with the library's staff and cut down on calls to police. 

"It's been a big help," said Ciccone. "When it comes to safety and security, we have no choice, we have to cover those costs."

The library's extra funding request is one of dozens coming to city council as this four-year budget cycle kicks off. Police, London Transit and groups are also seeking budget boosts, in many cases due to inflation driving up costs. 

Ciccone said the library will be making its case very publicly in the weeks to come.

"I think we have a lot of evidence to support our case to council," said Ciccone.