NORWOOD – The Norwood Library says due to a weak financial situation, they might not be able to keep operating at current levels after 2011.

The Norwood Library Board of Trustees said in a letter to North Country This Week that the budget has been shrinking recently: $64,321 in 2009, $66,521 for 2010, and a proposed $53,109 for 2011 “We have cut many items to zero,” the board’s letter said.

“Our librarian’s hours remain the same but other staff hours have been cut. Library hours remain in place temporarily but there may be changes in the future. So far all programs are still active with no adjustments planned. “

The library says its financial base has been eroded.

“The investments that supported the library for more than 16 years have all but disappeared due to the stock market failure and general economic slowdown. So we are in the process of looking into other ways to finance the day-to-day running of the library. We feel we are able to maintain our current operation at least through 2011.”

They say they recently had to delay writing paychecks for a few days “until expected funding arrived so it is touch-and-go some months.”

For now, they have a fundraiser planned for Sept. 4 at the Kiwanis/Norwood Lake Association Recycling building on Bernard Avenue. “Good Will Rummage” items will be free, and donations will be acccepted.