In a move to bring library personnel wages in line with city employee wages, the Kalona Public Library Monday asked the city council for $7,500 in additional funds.

In making the request, Board of Trustees President Scott Stapleton said, “The trustees realize that is a 39 percent increase,” but said that the library is still trying to overcome “years of neglect concerning staff salaries.”

The additional funds, earmarked for personnel, would raise the children’s librarian’s wage to $6.50 per hour and the eight-year veteran assistant librarian to $7.50. Stapleton noted that a recent part-time office employee for the city was hired at $7 per hour. Increases were based on the prevalent standard, he said.

The move also would raise the library director’s salary to $10 per hour. Stapleton noted that the Kalona library director has a Master’s degree in library science, as well as four years experience with the local library. Consequently, the salary increase is “modest.”

There also is an increase in the number of hours that personnel will work, something due to the increased patronage at the library.

“We need to assign two staff members to cover periods of high use,” explained Stapleton. “We can no longer expect one person to cover each hour open.”

He added that neither can the library expect volunteers to pick up the slack.

“The five hours increase we’re requesting for the Children’s Librarian and the four hours for the director are simply a recognition of this fact,” he said.

Councilman Dave Droz asked if the increased funding request covers all the funds the library needs.

“No,” said Director Anne Skaden. “I am reviewing now what periodicals we will drop. There also have been increases in the price of books.”

She and Stapleton stressed that the request was kept to what the trustees saw as essential for personnel, to serve the patrons best.

Stapleton added that the biggest increase is for children’s programming.

“That is the hottest area for us,” noting that children’s services are the “most in demand.”

However, he added, that the children’s librarian also “has arranged programs for other ages, including the musical program later this month.”

Droz suggested that the library should not be afraid to ask for full funding, although “you might not get all of it. You should still ask.”

The request will be reviewed by the council’s finance committee prior to finalizing the city’s budget for fiscal 1999-2000.

City Administrator Doug Morgan said that the main concerns for the city, to date, have been snow removal, sanding streets and handling the water main problem.

Council members told Morgan that residents have had considerable praise for city employees for their long hours and dedication in getting the broken main repaired earlier this month.

Interestingly, the city learned that the charge from the Cedar Rapids locater team was only $100.

“They were here about three hours,” said Morgan.

Councilman Jerry Kauffman noted the fee “does not even cover their mileage.”

As a result of the costs, Morgan and the council agreed that should a similar problem arise, “we will call them immediately.”