The Austin Public Library is prepared to face budget cuts as the city tightens its belt.

The Austin Public Library Board met on Tuesday for its monthly meeting.

Although no reductions have been set as of yet, the board thought it best to be prepared.

The measures were first discussed at a Thursday Finance Committee meeting.

“The bottom line of the committee, was being proactive,” said board treasurer and Finance Committee member Duane Feragen.

Among the proposed cost-saving measures was a reduction in the library’s hours.

The board unanimously approved the recommendation to open the library one hour later Monday through Thursday, but stay open one hour later on Friday and Saturday. This would be a net reduction of four hours per week.

The board also approved a recommendation to leave a position, that will be open because of a retirement, vacant. The position will not be filled for 2009, with the possibility of it remaining vacant in 2010.

As a result of the staff changing, a number of programs are being affected. The information desk hours will be reduced, and various events will be organized by different library employees.

Due to concerns of creating too much of a workload for the library employees, library director Ann Hokanson requested the board approve the withdrawal of a $25,000 Library Services and Technology Act grant application. The application, which had been accepted for further review, would have created a program to help homecare providers teach children literacy skills.

“I just think the timing was off,” Hokanson said.

The board approved the withdrawal.

These expenditure reduction recommendations will be brought to a city council work session on Monday to be reviewed by the council.