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KGMB9 News at 10
State Libraries Brace for Budget Cuts Print E-mail
Written by KGMB9 News - news@kgmb9.com   
October 21, 2008 06:48 PM

 
Fewer best-selling books and reduced library hours. Those are just some of the things on the chopping block for state public libraries.

The proposed cuts were revealed Tuesday. The worst case scenario would be the closure of several libraries and maybe even layoffs.

Right now, the state public library system is operating on about $34 million. Roughly 80 percent of that goes to personnel costs.

The governor's office had asked library officials to give two budget scenarios: cuts at 10 percent, which is about 3-million dollars, and cuts at 15 percent. That's about $4.5 million.

Only cuts at the 15 percent level would mean library closures and layoffs.

This afternoon, the committee on public library and student support services voted to recommend cuts at the lower 10 percent level.

The state librarian says the community would still feel significant effects.

"That will result in reduction of hours at many of our branches," said state librarian Richard Burns. "There's a possibility that some of our smaller branches with one or two staff members will have to close intermittently, if those staff members are not able to come to work for one reason or another."

The cuts would also freeze hiring for vacant positions.

There are 51 public libraries state-wide and library officials say they've been a lot busier because of the economic downturn.

Again, the committee Tuesday decided to recommend cuts at the 10 percent level. The full Board of Education will meet Thursday to decide what to do next.


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Last Updated ( October 29, 2008 01:34 AM )
 

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