Washoe County Libraries Facing Major Cuts and Branch Closures

Besides employment and public assistance programs, what community institution is seeing a surge in use during this economic crisis? It's the public library system, where people can use Internet terminals to look for work, check out books and periodicals, get movies and educational videos, meet friends, and bring their children for wholesome entertainment. Home schoolers use our libraries to find materials for their lessons. As a recent editorial in the Reno News & Review said, "Libraries are not just places with books." To which I will add - Libraries and access to information are fundamental to a democratic society.

A little background - For 2009 / 2010, the Washoe County Commission is looking at a budget shortfall of $47 million. Staff and services reductions in every department are being considered to close this gaping hole. The possible hit to the library system is $4 million from the current $11.2 million budget, which will necessitate some combination of reducing hours, cutting staff, and closing branches. The threatened closing of the Sierra View Library, the system's most popular, has been alleviated through a deal with the lease holder to forgo rent for the coming fiscal year. The fate of other branches, however, has yet to be finally determined. The survivors would still be faced with implementing remaining services with less staff working fewer hours. This just doesn't make sense when libraries are busier than ever with job seekers and people checking out books and videos. The unemployed and everyone else trying to economize need what our libraries have to offer.

There will be a public meeting to discuss the library budget on Wednesday, March 25, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. It will be at the Sierra View Library in the Reno Town Mall, 4001 S. Virginia Street. On April 2 at 2 p.m., the Library Board of Trustees will meet in the Downtown Library, 301 S. Center Street, to settle on budget recommendations for presentation to the Washoe County Commission.

My bottom line - Depriving citizens of their library services when the need is so great is the wrong thing to do. Budget cuts should be made elsewhere. To express support for our libraries, call your Washoe County Commissioner at (776) 328-2005. You can also go to the Commission website and email your support.

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