The Jefferson-Madison Regional Library (JMRL) is lobbying lawmakers to send more state funds to buy new books. The library's board got an update on the system's $6 million proposed budget Monday afternoon.
It includes a 2.5 percent pay raise for library employees and expanded hours at the Crozet branch. But at the same time, the library faces a reduction in dollars from Richmond to buy new reading materials. That money's been cut nearly in half in the past decade.
JMRL Director John Halliday said, "That's meant for us purchasing many fewer new books than we did 10 years ago and at the same time adding new services like downloadable books and online databases. So, our book budget is really tight."
The library system is also updating its 20-year-old regional agreement. That includes a proposal to charge a $30 annual fee for people who use the library, but don't live in one of the counties it serves.
