The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will seek a 10.1 percent increase in Allegheny Regional Asset District funding when it presents its 2010 budget to the RAD board Aug. 25, library spokeswoman Suzanne Thinnes said yesterday.

RAD's current allocation is $16.7 million.

It's the next step in the library's summer campaign confronting projections of tough economic times ahead, starting with an anticipated $3.1 million deficit next year. Even though the library has asked for a RAD increase, it bases its 2010 deficit on smaller government allocations in the face of the country's economic woes.

The increase bid follows three public meetings last month on the deficit that drew about 400 people, Ms. Thinnes said.

In a poll of attendees, shorter operating hours and reduced services were endorsed in order to keep the library's 19 branches open in the case of a shortfall.

Also suggested were library-card fees, increased funding from the City of Pittsburgh, which currently contributes $40,000 annually, additional volunteer services and a drive to raise more money from private sources.

"The worst-case scenario is that we would have to close or consolidate community branches, something we would only consider as a last resort," said Barbara Mistick, library president and director.

She said that cost-cutting changes to library operations will be submitted to the board of directors in September. "Implementation of changes that are planned will begin at the end of this year," she said.

Adding more uncertainty is the fate of state funding for public libraries because of Pennsylvania's current budget impasse.

Gov. Ed Rendell today plans an 11 a.m. news conference calling on the Legislature to continue state library funding.