Open Letter to Our Community

March 18, 2026

To our community,

We want to thank everyone for their support of Eckhart Public Library, and libraries as a whole, as recent legislation affecting public libraries moved quickly through the Indiana legislature.

Unfortunately, what we have to report is disappointing for public libraries.

New regulations for public libraries included in House Bill 1406 have been signed into law by Governor Braun. The legislation progressed rapidly through various iterations, with complicated, confusing subject matter. While we’re thankful that Representative Ben Smaltz voted against HB1406, ultimately it was passed successfully in the Senate.

We want to translate the language in the bill so that you can remain as informed as possible.

What’s Happening?

In past years, public library budgets were allowed to grow modestly (usually around 4% annually) to keep up with inflation including the rising costs for utilities, books, and technology. As of July 1, 2026, the new law automatically cuts that allowable growth rate in half.

In addition, if the Library Board determines the need for more than that reduced amount to maintain operations, the library must undergo what’s called binding review. This process gives the City or County Council the power to approve, or significantly reduce, the budget at their discretion. While this component of the law is not new, because of the halved rate of budget growth, libraries will be more likely to need to enter into binding review in the years to come, putting the library’s funding in a vulnerable position. The process is risky because the City or County Council has the authority during binding review to cut the library’s budget at any level - even down to zero.

The new law also introduces a severe penalty, applied only to public libraries: if a budget asking for more than the newly-reduced growth rate is not submitted by September 2nd, the library’s budget is automatically slashed to 49% of the previous year’s property tax levy. This is a devastatingly harsh consequence for any organization, but this penalty is applied specifically to public libraries.

What does this mean for Eckhart Public Library?

Under the new legislation, Eckhart Public Library’s operating budget will not be able to keep up with inflation. With a largely stagnant budget, the library will face challenges in keeping up with the rising costs of doing business while striving to meet the needs and expectations of our community.

The library has remained fiscally responsible throughout our 115 year history. We meet our deadlines. We have spent within our means and within established requirements. We are fortunate to enjoy positive relationships with our elected officials, other organizations, and the community as a whole.

We also have strong allies including the Friends of the Eckhart Public Library, who fund 100% of our programming and prizes. The Eckhart Library Foundation, whose donations provide at least $100,000 annually towards necessary repairs and upkeep of our historic main library and library campus as well as support for staff professional development. The Community Foundation DeKalb County holds endowments for the library. We also have the privilege to have the community we serve as supporters!

Even with this amazing support, the tax dollars that we received in 2025 made up 92% of our annual income. We need those tax dollars to continue to provide the service, opportunity, and quality of life that residents deserve. We also need to be able to grow our budget at a modest level to keep up with rising costs and sustain services and opportunities.

Eckhart Public Library's history demonstrates our strength in facing challenges, powered by our mission to provide exceptional services, programs, and resources that enrich our community. As founder Charles Eckhart stated, the library is "not for any particular class or group, but for every citizen."

Ultimately, what Eckhart Public Library needs is your ongoing support and patronage. Stay informed. Advocate if you feel inclined. Share the stories of how the library has made an impact on your life. We are here for you, just as I hope you’ll be here for us as we navigate the years to come.

Valerie Simmons

Executive Director, Eckhart Public Library

vsimmons@epl.lib.in.us