The board of directors of the Southeast Regional Library were told that the circulation of library materials is continuing to decline, which has placed a number of branches in smaller communities in jeopardy, said chairperson Kenneth Sutherland in his report at the annual general meeting on Saturday.

"However, the level of programming in most of our branches continues to be very high given the size of staffing or volunteer levels in our branches," said Sutherland.

"The decline in circulation that we have been experiencing over the last few years slowed in 2007, but the continuing decline is troublesome," added CEO and Library Director Allan Johnson. "The service levels and viability of many of our branches continue to be a serious concern. We need to renew our library system and chart a new course for the future."

One way to chart that new course was through a recent survey, which indicated that there was a strong desire to maintain the status quo, but there were also indications that the Southeast Regional Library needed to move forward and improve the public library services. There were some changes implemented across the branches, including adding a Children's Programming Coordinator position in each of the city branches to enhance the quality and frequency of children's programming in each branch.

Another challenge faced by the Southeast Regional Library is funding, Sutherland said "The funding challenges remain formidable and we need trustees and their municipalities to continue to lobby for adequate funding given the expectations that are being placed on the regional library system."

In a statement of financial position and activities, vice-chair Dianne Sander reported on the revenue side, municipal grants rose modestly and on the expenditure side, headquarters related expenses were squeezed while branch operating costs increased modestly. There was also an increase in restricted cash, which has been earmarked to assist in replacing central computer hardware and software when the Southeast Regional Library's Integrated Library Computer System has to be replaced by 2010.

"The improving economy in southeastern Saskatchewan has put pressure on our ability to compete for staff to fill vacancies and our ability to retain library staff," said Johnson. "Though we have made major strides in improving our staff compensation levels over the past few years, we estimate that we continue to be well below market benchmarks within our regional library system."

Branch awards were presented to trustees from the four winning branches. Branch of the year went to Kipling, the branch development award was presented to Fillmore, the branch programming award went to Vibank and the branch service award was presented to Fort Qu'Appelle.