Beginning Aug. 3, the library will reduce its operating hours by 10 hours a week. It will also close for six weeks and furlough staff members for one to four weeks. Bookmobile service is also being curtailed.
All of this is being done to offset a drop in revenue, from $470,000 two years ago to $356,000 this year. While revenue has decreased, costs have continued to increase, forcing the library to reduce expenditures.
During these tough economic times, more and more people have been visiting the library. They have used its computers, borrowed its books and attended free family events. Nearly 1,300 visits were recorded in one day this summer.
Last year, with help from Dollar General ($5,000), the Union Rotary Club ($10,000) and the Friends of the Library ($20,000), the library was able to purchase books, materials and operating expenses, but because of budget cuts, it still had to reduce expenditures.
During its budget discussions this year, Union County Council was asked to increase the library’s tax millage from 4 mills to 6 mills but declined.
With all of the valuable services it provides to this community, the library has demonstrated why it should remain open.
It’s time for this community to help the library.
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