NBC29Augusta County Library Cuts Back
Member Center:
Budget cuts are forcing the Augusta County Library to cutback at a time when more people are using its services.
Tabitha and Colton Buchanan make the trip from Verona to Fishersville several times a month to log on to the library's computers.
"We use the internet, because we don't have internet at home. So, it's helpful," Tabitha Buchanan said.
The Buchanans aren't alone in the line of computers at the Fishersville library. To keep up with demand, the library has created a new reservation system. People can save a spot at the computer stations.
"A lot of people are coming to write resumes," said Augusta County Library Director Diantha McCauley. "They're applying for jobs online."
Public internet use at the library is up 19 percent from last year. Circulation is also up 19 percent. From July to May, library users checked out 500,000 books, movies, and CD's.
Starting with the new budget year on July 1, the county chops the library's bottom line by $98,000. That cut forced the library to lay off four part-time employees.
"We'll have to change what we do a little bit," McCauley said. "We may not be able to offer as many programs for children. The books might not be shelved as soon as they had been last year."
A sign on the Fishersville library's door now reads: "The budget monster takes a bite out of time". The main library will close earlier starting July 1, and the Churchville branch won't open on Thursdays.
"People will really learn how valuable public libraries are, both to themselves and their families and society," McCauley said.
The Buchanans say the hour cuts will be the toughest to take, especially when Colton heads back to school in the fall.
"We farm, so by the time he gets done with his farm chores and everything, the library will be closed," Tabitha said. "This is the only source that we've got."
The library is always looking for donations and volunteers. For more information, go to the Augusta County Library's website.
|
|
 |
| |
Would you like your message to reach over 250,000 people each week? NBC29 can show you how!
Want to work for a small market station that thinks big, plus live in America's number one city? Check out our job openings!
Click for the DTV Consumer Education Quarterly Activity Reports.
WVIR-TV, an equal opportunity employer, is dedicated to providing broad outreach regarding job vacancies. Organizations that wish to receive our vacancy information should contact Laurie Isaac by calling 434-220-2900.
