Today’s Pioneer Press had an excellent front-page article about the importance of libraries, especially during economic downturns. We all know that libraries aren’t just for books anymore. Internet access, CDs, DVDs, newspapers, magazines, and more are all at a library patron’s fingertips. As folks cut down on their spending habits, such as cable and Internet bills or magazine subscriptions, library usership goes up. Since most employers require job applicants to submit resumes online, libraries especially see an influx of patrons browsing the web for job postings and completing applications online.
Because of the governor’s proposed LGA cuts, many cities are considering significantly reducing library hours, cutting budgets for new books and materials, and even laying off staff. These cuts would be detrimental, and impact everything from children’s story hour to adult literacy programs. If you want to protect your library from funding cuts, contact your legislators and the governor, and tell them that cutting LGA is unacceptable.
UPDATE: The City of St. Paul hosted a budget listening session February 24, and library supporters came out in droves. Click here to read the Pioneer Press article.