With the success of the most recent summer reading program fresh in their mind, library staff are already planning for next year.

Director Ann Hokanson said Tuesday that last summer’s program was a success as far as popularity, but tight funding and resources make it a strain to operate — two areas she hopes to address by planning early.

Hokanson said she hopes that next summer more closely resembles two summers ago when it comes to programming.

That year, the library was able to bring in more entertainers and rely less on volunteers.

While Hokanson said she appreciates everyone who did volunteer last summer, her goal is to get more secure funding for the program.

A Hormel Foundation grant could be a big piece of the puzzle — the library asked for $9,000, and in August, the city council ranked it as their top request among 13 items going to the foundation.

The requests are expected to be voted on at a November Hormel Foundation meeting.

Hokanson also said funds saved up from past donations, as well as budgeted dollars, are expected to go toward the program.

More than 750 kids signed up for the reading challenge last summer, up from 350 the year before, and attendance at free Wednesday events topped 1,000.

Library also readying for Legacy funds

In November 2008, Minnesota voters passed the Legacy Amendment to provide funds to the arts and natural preservation, and now some of that money is coming to Austin.

But how, when and how much is still to be determined.

Hokanson said the Southeastern Libraries Cooperating system, which oversees the local library, is set to receive $800,000 a year for two years to fund a variety of projects.

These could include bigger goals, like digitizing maps and records at local libraries, and smaller events sponsored by libraries.

Hokanson said local libraries will have little autonomy when it comes to dealing with Legacy funds.

She also said it is unclear when and how much will come Austin’s way, but there is a June 30 deadline in spending the funds.

Hokanson said the uncertainty is frustrating, and she isn’t alone in criticizing the amendment — though it passed with nearly 60 percent of the vote during the general election, many critics have said changing the amendment was not the right way to get funding.

City councilman Brian McAlister said Tuesday at the library board meeting that it seemed as if a “bad idea” is off to a “bad start,” noting the uncertainty in how funds will be used.