Last modified: Thursday, May 28, 2009 2:18 AM EDT North library to need waiver BY AMY DeMELIA SUN CHRONICLE STAFF NORTH ATTLEBORO - Richards Memorial Library will be among the libraries applying for a waiver next year to keep its state certification. Library Director Frank Ward said Tuesday that the library is not being funded in the 2010 fiscal year budget to the level required by the state library commission. Ward said that before additional cuts that were announced this week, the library's budget proposal was below the state's funding formula, known as the Municipal Appropriation Requirement, by about 7 percent. "The town has always been very good to us. I think we all know this is not a normal year," he said. Ward said he is very hopeful that the town will be able to retain its state certification by receiving a waiver from the state library commission. It is expected that many libraries around the state will apply for waivers next year because of the tough economic times. Norton asked for a similar waiver, but did not receive it after being forced to cut back due to budget issues. In prior years, the state limited the number of waivers that could be issued. However, Ward said all versions of the state budget have indicated an unlimited number of waivers will be available next year. "There is still going to be a waiver process. It's not going to be a rubber stamp," he said. "But I'm fairly confident that we'll be able to obtain a waiver." State certification would mean Richards Memorial Library will keep its interlibrary borrowing privileges with libraries in other communities. The board of library trustees is still working through budget figures in efforts to meet the library's goals in a tight economy. Ward said the library will be laying off one full-time employee and has moved to its summer schedule earlier than usual in order to save money. "We're not planning on cutting hours right now, but with more cuts that might have to be on the table," he said. It's a challenging time for the library to lose any staff because circulation is up by about 10 percent as more people use the library's free books, movies, museum passes and wi-fi in a tough economy, Ward said. "The library is busier and busier as economic times become bad," he said. "We're still planning to do the best we can for the town." The application process for library certification waivers typically takes place in the fall. AMY DeMELIA can be reached at 508-236-0334 or at ademelia@thesunchronicle.com.