The St. Joseph Public Library’s board of directors passed a reduced budget Monday but asked staff to come up with more cuts.

The library has had to dip into its cash reserves because the budget isn’t meeting the conservative expectations of the board and financial analysts who projected levy revenues, said Drew Brown, board president.

If spending continues without any changes in the budget, by about November 2011 the library would have to borrow money, said Brian Cronk, a board member.

The good news is there is no problem with paying for the construction bonds voters approved, said Mary Beth Revels, the library director. And the library system is committed to maintaining all four branches, Mrs. Revels said.

Revenues on the 15-cent levy didn’t meet estimates, the economy took a major downturn, and citizens in increasing numbers are turning to the library for services, Mr. Brown said.

The library has 75 computers and some people complained that the system had too many, Mrs. Revels said.

“Today, if we doubled the number of computers, it probably wouldn’t be enough to keep up with demand,” she said.

One way the library is saving money is by reducing the money for purchase of new books, videos and compact discs to 7 percent. The previous budget allocated about 13 percent for new materials.

The 2008-2009 budget was for $3.2 million. Board members supported a motion by Judge Frank Connett to approve the $3 million 2009-2010 budget but asked staff for proposals for additional cuts which the full board will review in September.

Marshall White can be reached at marshall@npgco.com.