Hendersonville library requests funding for new positions amid staffing concerns

Budget discussions took a significant turn during the Sumner County Budget Committee hearings on April 30, 2025, as library funding and staffing needs took center stage. The committee reviewed proposed salary increases and operational costs for local libraries, with a particular focus on the Hendersonville and Gallatin branches.

A key highlight was the proposed $2,000 salary increase for the director of the Gallatin Library, aimed at aligning compensation with the responsibilities of managing a larger facility. This increase comes alongside a standard cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for library staff, which is set at 3%. The committee emphasized that this adjustment is essential for maintaining competitive salaries across the county's libraries.

However, the discussion quickly shifted to Hendersonville, where library officials are advocating for additional staffing. The Hendersonville Library, which operates 40 hours a week, has been described as understaffed for its visitor volume. Officials are requesting funding for a new position, estimated at $31,000, to better serve the community. This request follows two years of similar appeals that were previously denied.

Committee members expressed concerns about the library's current operational hours and the adequacy of staffing levels. While some members argued for extending hours to meet community demand, others pointed out that library directors have consistently stated that current hours are sufficient. The debate highlighted a disparity in visitor numbers between Hendersonville and Gallatin, with Hendersonville reporting over 14,000 visits in February 2025 compared to Gallatin's 6,411 visits in March.

The committee also scrutinized the differing cataloging systems used by the libraries, particularly noting that Hendersonville's system is significantly more expensive due to its larger catalog size. This raised questions about budget allocations and the efficiency of library operations.

As the committee continues to deliberate, the outcome of these discussions will shape the future of library services in Sumner County, with potential implications for staffing, operational hours, and overall community engagement. The next steps will involve further review of the budget proposals and consideration of community feedback on library needs.