Although the Zelienople Public Library is facing serious financial issues, some other libraries in Butler County are not in a dire situation.

Mandee Williams, director of the South Butler Community Library in Saxonburg, said the library has seen the effects of a lack of funds from the state budget impasse.

“We are definitely feeling the pinch,” Williams said.

However, she said its hours have stayed the same and there have been no layoffs. But she said the library is looking to reduce some of its spending.

Williams said state money makes up 20 to 25 percent of the library’s budget. The library has been told state money will come in, but it does not know when. Usually, it is in January.

“It’s very difficult,” Williams said.

Contributions from municipalities, which come in around May or June, have stayed roughly level, Williams said.

While waiting for the state money, she said the library will continue small cost-cutting measures and will continue to raise funds.

Kathy Kline, director of the North Trails Public Library in Cherry Township, said, as a part of the Butler County Federated Library System, the library does not get money directly from the state. Most of its funding comes from the county and fundraising.

Because of this, the impasse does not affect the library’s day-to-day operations. However, like most libraries, she said it sometimes has trouble making ends meet.

“We’re always in financial difficulty,” Kline said.

A few years ago, she said the library had to stop operating on Wednesdays.

Vince Gadrix, director of the Mars Public Library, said the library has been watching the state budget situation and hopes it is resolved soon. State funding makes up about 11 percent of the library’s budget.

“Just like everybody else, we have to be cautious,” Gadrix said. “That’s basically where we’ve been for the past six months.”

However, he said the library has not had any cuts to operating hours or staff. Instead, it has been more cautious with its spending.

Contributions from municipalities have stayed level, Gadrix said.