The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has approved the final 2027 budget (spanning July 2026 to June 2027) with the Fairfax County's Public Library (FCPL) system receiving an allocation of $4.155 million toward its materials (collections) budget.  That's basically what appeared in the proposed budget I discussed in our March newsletter [link here], and it's a good step to bringing our collections in line with where they should be.  Unfortunately, FCPL didn't get an additional allocation from the $23 million in discretionary funds reserved in the draft budget, but there were a lot of competing community needs for the Supervisors to consider.  We should still take the time to thank our Supervisors for their efforts.

Here are my two takeaways from our effort to advocate for an increased collections budget for FCPL this year:

• It laid the groundwork for a more successful effort.  Here's what FCPL Director Eric Carzon said:  "I believe we made progress in making our needs known and in understanding and articulating the negative impacts of the County’s long-term disinvestment in library materials.  Last year, we only got one supervisor question (about materials), this year four supervisors asked six questions.  This year, several Friends accompanied us to the public hearing, and numerous trustees, friends and advocates reached out to their Supervisors between early Fall and now."  In other words, our voices were definitely heard.
• We should be highlighting the importance of FCPL collections earlier in budget process, if not all year around.  When you run into issues with your library's collections or resources, let your Supervisor know.  Don't wait until you're asked.

Finally, if you are one of our members or newsletter subscribers who took the time to write your Supervisor about the FCPL collections budget, a big THANK YOU for taking action.  As with our local sports teams, "Wait'll next year!" 

- - Fred Singerman

President, Friends of Oakton Library