No state aid coming to Saugus library

SAUGUS – The state delegation has secured roughly $10 million in state aid for public libraries, but unfortunately none of that will be coming to Saugus.As Library Legislative Caucus Chairman, Rep. Mark Falzone, along with Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein and Sens. Thomas McGee and Anthony Galluccio, managed to snag close to $17 million for state aid to regional libraries along with the aid to public libraries. But because Saugus Public Library lost its certification last year, it is not eligible for state funding.”No library that isn’t certified receives funding,” Falzone said confirming that Saugus would not receive any of the funds he worked to secure.He did say the town might benefit in the end from other systems that will receive funding. He said a trickle down effect might result in a lower fee for the North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE) Network.Falzone said he hopes it is not long before the library is recertified, but interim Director Ewa Jankowska said earlier this spring that recertification is a long way off.While Town Meeting increased the library’s budget by roughly $48,000 to $325,000, most of it was specifically aimed at purchasing new books. The salary line in the budget actually went down, forcing Jankowska to lay off three people and put four on standby.She said until the library could remain open the required 50.5 hours per week and the town boosted its funding to state required levels, the library would remain uncertified.Decertification means residents cannot use any other library in the state, including Lynn’s. The Lynn Public Library had kept its doors open to Saugus residents up until last month when it decided enough was enough.Should the library find its way back to certification, Falzone said the new library caucus would be there.”The recently-inaugurated Library Legislative Caucus has already shown its value in helping to secure these appropriations, which are significant improvements from previous years,” he said. “At a time when library usage is at an all time high, this funding is essential to enable the continuation and expansion of the excellent services from our local and regional public libraries.”