Could a plan to outsource some library operations save millions?

The majority of the members of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors want to find out. The Board approved issuing a request for proposals (RFP) from private companies who would bid on taking over the daily management operations of the county’s 11 library branches.

Gainesville District Supervisor Peter Candland said he’s “done homework” and spoken with such a company that could provide management services. The move could save as much as $15 million over the next five years, he added.

“How? We do not know. We have not seen that,” said Constance Gilman, director of the Prince William County Library System.

Gilman estimates a move to privatize management services could mean a 22 percent reduction in the the library system’s budget. That could amount to fewer new library books and materials purchased, fewer programs for children and adults, and shorter operating hours — things library patrons asking for more of, said Gilman.

“I work in the private sector, and these things happen all the time,” said Candland.

The move comes less than a year after Prince William County opened two new libraries. The Haymarket – Gainesville Community Library cost taxpayers $11 million and a new Montclair Community Library in eastern Prince William County cost $13 million.

Candland and other local politicians heralded the opening of the new centers, and said Prince William County was opening new libraries at a time when other jurisdictions across the U.S. are shuttering them due to budget cuts.

“I want to make sure those who are managing [the libaries] are not in jeopardy of losing their jobs… they’ve opened up to libraries and have done a great job,” said Potomac District Supervisor Maureen Caddigan.

Candland assured members on the Board a private company would be interested in retaining as many existing library employees as possible so it wouldn’t have to train new employees. A private company would also be interested keeping as many as 500 volunteers who work at the libraries, Candland added.

“Have you been in discussion with this company?” asked Neabsco District Supervisor John Jenkins of Candland. Jenkins was the only Supervisor to vote no on a motion to advertise an RPF to privatize library management.

“No,” replied Candland. “I listened to them, and I’ve done my homework and seen where something like this has happened in others places.”

“It sounds like you have,” replied Jenkins.

Gilman spoke with members of the Library Board of Trustees, an oversight group for the county library system. Members of that council are compiling a list of items they would like the libraries — such as story time hours for children — if management is privatized.

“None of the trustees want to the see library services privatized, but they also understand the need for the Board of Supervisors to find money-saving cuts in the budget,” said Gilman.

The Board of Library Trustees is appointed by the Board of Supervisors. It would remain active if management is privatized, said Candland.

Once companies respond to the RFP, the Board of Supervisors is expected to review the proposals and weight their options. We do not yet know when the proposals are expected back for the Supervisors to review them.

By the books, the Prince William County Public Library System employs 208 full-time positions. Many of those are part-time jobs. Last year, the library system’s adopted budget was $17.4 million, up 19% over the past five years.