Sat Nov 07 2009
DEFIANCE -- The Defiance public library system could cut its hours of operation or close library buildings if the state legislature moves forward with proposed cuts to public library funding, according to a statement released Wednesday by the library board.
Library trustees met Tuesday and discussed the impact of Ohio Governor Ted Strickland's proposed budget cuts to public library funding.
State officials are stuck in ongoing efforts to close a nearly $3 billion hole in the state budget.
Cuts recommended by the governor's office Friday June 19, coupled with the loss of revenue already experienced by public libraries in the state of Ohio in 2009, would equal a 50 percent cut in funding, trustees said.
The Defiance Public Library system includes the Johnson Memorial Library in Hicksville, and the Sherwood Branch Library.
"The original 20 percent loss in revenue we can survive. The additional 30 percent we cannot," said finance committee member Ian MacGregor. "We are looking at a 10-year minimum recovery period, if this passes the house and senate."
The finance committee recommended that the board of trustees not make final decisions on reductions in service and personnel until the budget is passed and the cuts are finalized.
"These are very difficult decisions. We should not rush into them," said MacGregor.
But MacGregor and fellow finance committee member David Plant assured the board that if these cuts were made, Defiance County would lose "valuable services that are being used by the community."
Library director Marilyn Hite said reducing library hours would be detrimental to the community.
"We'll have a lot less that we are able to do for young families who need free programming, people struggling to make ends meet who need educational resources and the unemployed who have to check their e-mail everyday for job opportunities and offers. We simply won't be here for them."
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