Public Libraries across the country

This past week, as we were dealing with pending reductions in our hours and looking at our overall budget situation, I received an invitation from a colleague in New Jersey to join SAVE NJ Libraries on Facebook. Both state and local tax support for library services is in jeopardy.

Just about a week before that I received an invitation to join a group to SAVE the Los Angeles Public Library - L.A.'s enormous budget shortfall looks like it will result in severe cuts to the Public Library system.

I have also joined a group to support the San Rafael Library in their efforts to pass a parcel tax to support library services.

When the economy takes a downturn, libraries see an increase in use. We are seeing big increases right now. With a downturn, we also see a decrease in our budgets. And this time the decreases are significant. And it is happening EVERYWHERE.

I'm trying to keep us focused on what we CAN do for our residents and library users. We will work hard to meet the needs in our community even in these difficult times.