BY GABRIELLE KROEGER

North Country This Week

OGDENSBURG – Now financially independent of the City, the Ogdensburg Public Library is still adjusting to the new normal,  but officials say the services have largely remained unchanged.

In January of 2022, the City of Ogdensburg cut the funding to the Ogdensburg Public Library, forcing them to become independent from the city and to find their own funds, something the library had been preparing for as the city’s finances began to falter.

Though patrons may not have noticed, a lot has changed behind the curtain. In recent years voters have approved $350,000 in taxes annually from taxpayers within the City School District.

 Now a year into its financial independence officials say they’ve found their footing.

“It’s been a learning curve because we had to find our own funding, which we did with the referendum almost two years ago,” said Penny Kerfien, the executive director of the library. “We had to learn new things as far as doing payroll and taxes and health insurance.”

While there are still a few things keeping the library tied to the city, it’s no longer a monetary factor. Kefrien says the library keeps a close eye on its budget to make sure to stay within it.

Kerfien says the city still plays a large role in the Library, perhaps most importantly by deciding who runs it.

“The mayor appoints board members when new ones need to be appointed, so that is still a connection we have to them,” Kerfien said. “We have a memorandum of understanding set up where we pay when we need to and what we need to.” 

The dynamic has strained ties between the council and the library at times, especially after the mayor shot down candidates proposed by the library in recent years. Though not codified, traditionally past mayors approved trustees recommended by the library board members.

Kerfien says though that the public at large has remained supportive of the library and continues to place value on service it provides.

“Our patrons here have been extremely supportive. They’re always willing to help and they’re always looking for ways for fundraisers,” Kerfien said. “Our friend's group has taken off. It’s a good place to work.” 

The library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, but remains closed on Saturday and Sunday. 

Now that it is a new year, Kerfien said she will be working on her annual report to see if the hours need to be adjusted, but as of now they are staying the same. 

“Our operations are still pretty much the same. We support our patrons, buy what they’re looking for and find materials they want,” Kerfien said. 

The library has various events planned for the upcoming year including book sales, game day in the park, book club convention, a membership drive, and possibly another poetry reading session. They are still finalizing the calendar, but there will be events for people of all ages throughout the year. 

The library hosts many events which can be found at HYPERLINK "https://ogdensburgpubliclibrary.org/events/"https://ogdensburgpubliclibrary.org/events/.