Utica Library funding cut forces changes in hours

UTICA- Due to a sharp decrease in funding, the Utica Public Library will be cutting its hours in 2013.

Beginning Wednesday, the library will be open 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

The end of a two-year, $244,000 federal grant combined with a decrease in funding from Oneida County and Utica forced the decision, said Director Darby O’Brien.

“We’ve done what we can,” she said. “We’ve cut back on our purchases, and left positions unfilled. This was all that’s left to cut.”

The Broadband Technology Opportunity Program grant allowed the library to provide technology training, buy new equipment and increase its hours.

It also created the Public Computer Center, which provided free computer services to seniors, unemployed workers and others.

According to the library, it has lost more $600,000 in local funding since 2008.

Last month, Oneida County cut its contribution to the library from $201,460 to $200,997.

The Utica Common Council eliminated all of the city’s funding — $56,250 — to the library in its last budget. In 2011, the city gave $324,372 to the library.

O’Brien said the library is looking continually for new grants and funding opportunities.

“We have to live within our budget,” she said. “It’s the fiscally responsible thing to do.”