Link to April 17 Charlotte Observer "For the Record" column by Robin Branstrom, "Deep library cuts would imperil commmunity jewel".
Excerpt: We are living in unprecedented times in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. After decades of prosperity, we have entered an era of scarcity, which is being profoundly felt by people who rely on our public libraries for educational and enrichment opportunities.
Since January 2009, library funding has been reduced by more than 20 percent. Investments in books and computers have been slashed, classes and storytimes eliminated, salaries reduced and 120 employees laid off. Most recently, library hours were curtailed significantly.
These reductions have affected everyone - first and foremost, those who use the library as an educational resource: toddlers benefiting from literacy programs; youths receiving homework assistance; college and vocational students using library computers and resources to support their coursework; adults and senior citizens using the library to continue their education; and job seekers who use library resources for career enhancement and job searching. And, of course, library staff, many of whom saw their work at the library as career and mission.
Related articles:
County commissioners seek ways to ease library cuts. (4/23/2010)
Mecklenburg County needs to reduce $85-90 million deficit. (4/16/2010)
County manager takes library board to task. (4/10/2010)
Libraries now open fewer hours. (4/6/2010)
"Save Our Libraries Sunday". (3/29/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg users owe average of 55 cents in fines. (3/27/2010)
Library announces new hours for branches. (3/26/2010)
Library Board applies a Band-Aid to its bleeding system. (3/25/2010)
Follow-up on Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board vote. (3/25/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board votes to keep all branches open. (3/24/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board presented with 2 budget-cutting alternatives. (3/24/2010)
More and bigger cuts looming on horizon. (3/23/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library System Rethinks Closings. (3/22/2010)
A New Day is Dawning in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County. (3/21/2010)
No comments:
Post a Comment