Georgia's Gwinnett County Public Libraries Continue to Struggle

Gwinnett libraries to reduce hours later this year. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 5/9/2011)

Excerpt:   Gwinnett County public libraries could close at least one day per week later this year as the system struggles to balance its budget.

In recent months the library has reduced staff and trimmed other spending to postpone service cuts. But library officials say they can’t avoid reducing hours much longer.

“We’re struggling to keep the libraries open as long as we can under these difficult budget conditions,” said Phillip Saxton, Gwinnett library board vice chairman at a budget workshop on Monday.

Gwinnett and other metro Atlanta library systems have reduced services as cash-strapped local governments cut spending. Cobb County has twice cut library hours in recent months. DeKalb County closed its Briarcliff branch in October and delayed opening its Stonecrest library.

Gwinnett closed its libraries on Sundays and Mondays for a time in 2009. The library board later restored seven-day service but reduced weekly operating hours from 71 to 53. Gwinnett officials say another reduction in hours is coming.

Related articles:
Metro Atlanta public libraries continue to tighten their belts.  (1/26/2011)
Gwinnett County Library budget cut by 15%. (1/8/2011)
Library's 2011 Budget cut by 15%.  (12/2/2010)