Library Budget Funding Restored-Board of Supervisors-Mar. 22
March 22, 2010
The Patrick County Library got their funding restored at the March 22 meeting. Previously it had been cut by $5000
Here is the speech given by Rick Ward, Local Librarian in support of their funding:
Board of Supervisor’s Meeting 03/22/10
Introductions – Bookmobile
Cuts—State of the economy, may be needed.
· Cannot charge fees because it is prohibited by law.
· “Not critical infrastructure� is inaccurate.
Together with the school, the church and the hospital, a library is one of the cornerstones of a healthy community.
The library reflects the diversity and character, and the needs and expectations of our community. Those needs and expectations are often extensive, and the services invaluable.
During economic hardship, our citizens turn to and depend on the library.
Libraries are essential institutions in a democratic society because they play a non-partisan role in providing the information that allows citizens to make informed decisions.
Libraries are essential to the educational process because they support curricula, teach information literacy, and foster critical thinking skills.
Member of School Board doing Children’s Programming for pre-K through 4th grade.
To date: 738 participants in Story Time and Summer Reading. Has 14-24 children weekly not including Outreach (Day Cares, STEP, some School Programming).
Early childhood initiative—reading skills, language development, social skills, and motor development.
Essential to Homeschoolers
Bookmobile goes to every elementary school (except Stuart). Traveling branch.
PCHS relies on us to supplement their collection. Our catalog is on their homepage. Many use our newspapers and magazines (not just students!). Letters of support.
Libraries are essential partners in creating educated communities because they provide opportunities for self-education, life-long learning, and self-improvement.
Big Read grant app. in conjunction with Reynolds Homestead and PCHS.
· Libraries are essential places of opportunity because they level the playing field making the world of information available to anyone seeking it.
o Internet service for those looking for jobs—approximately 12,000 log ins/yr.
o Circulation of material—over 115,000 combined w/Bookmobile.
o Visits—over 54,000 w/Bookmobile.
State Cuts
· Absorb a cut of over $18,000 this year and a possible cut of 15% next year. Last 10 years state aid has been reduced to the entire library system by over $792,000.
· No cost of living increase for the last 3 ½ years.
· Level funding will keep us at ’07-’08 contribution
Conclusion
· Himmell and Wilson Report formally accepted by Library of VA Board 11/14/05:
o “In 2005, more people will pass through the doors of public libraries than through the doors of any other type of public building. Turnstile counts at the nation’s sports arenas pale in comparison to door counts at public libraries.�
Our library is a unique and valuable resource. It is a lifeline to the world and all the information in it.
Walter Cronkite said, “Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.�
And I say, “Some may think the library is ‘not critical infrastructure’, but many think it is vital to the community.�
