ResourceBlog Article: Yet Another Example of Rapidly Expanding Library Use as the Budget Gets Cut

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Wednesday, 25th November 2009

Yet Another Example of Rapidly Expanding Library Use as the Budget Gets Cut

Rant. Once again, it make no sense. But, here's another story of a library system getting used more than ever yet the county cuts the library systems budget. It's as odd as it is sad. What are those who "pay the bills" and "write the checks" thinking? Why would you want to decrease funding to a service people want and in many cases need to use? I realize that cuts have to be made somewhere (budgets do fall short) but why does it always seem that the library is the organization to receives the cuts. Remember, the members of the city councils, library boards, etc. (people who "pay the bills") are often politicians and that doesn't seem to make a difference. They still have no fear in cutting library services even as more and more people use the library's services. We think that says a lot.

We wonder if those who "pay the bills" are under the impression that whatever research tools or books one needs are now free on the Internet? Even if that were the case (of course, it's not) the public library provides many other important services including being the only place many people can access a computer. Finally, as you'll read below some of what was cut were databases. No surprise there.

Rant Over. Thank you for allowing us to vent.

Listen to the Audio Report (50 seconds)

Library Use Soars, Even As Budget Axe Falls

t's estimated that several million people in Contra Costa County use local libraries each year.

Despite the staggering patron figures, libraries have not been spared budget reductions.

County librarian Ann Cain says the estimated more than 4 million people who come into the library annually are checking out everything from books to DVDs.

The county funds 35 hours of "base level service" at 25 libraries. However, the county ran into a shortage of funding when property tax revenue slipped, resulting in more than $3 million in budget cuts.

5 libraries reduced their operating hours, and cuts were also made on materials and database information.

Source: KCBS Newsradio 740 / San Francisco

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