Why Cut Wake's Library Budget Now?

By Odile Fredericks, Carolina Parent Web Editor

Posted: January 29, 2009
Updated: March 4, 2009

If you or your child are big fans of your Wake County library, be aware that a proposal now calls for those libraries to cut $1.84 million.

Wake County leaders have recommended closing branches at Duraleigh, Southgate, Wendell and Athens Drive High, and shutting down the Electronic Information Center in downtown Raleigh and a book mobile, library officials told WRAL. Under the proposal, branch hours at libraries would be cut and some staff could be laid off.

No one disputes that state government has to tighten its belt given current economic conditions, but the state needs to be aware that public libraries have become even more important to cash-strapped parents, kids and students. Across the state, nearly 5 million North Carolinians now have library cards, an all-time high, and some counties have seen a 45 percent increase in computer use at libraries, mostly by people applying for jobs online, WRAL reports.

Those statistics are not surprising. Who can afford to head to the book store for new books nowadays? The libraries’ storytimes and other activities are a big source of entertainment for parents because they’re entertaining, educational and free. Plus, there’s the chance to socialize with other parents there. Over the years, my kids and I have found the library to be a source of joy and friendship. Parents who have been laid off and other job hunters depend on free Internet access at the library now more than ever with the numbers of Americans receiving jobless benefits at a record high. Students doing research will feel the pain if this plan passes.

If Wake County library starts cutting back, can other North Carolina counties be far behind? Library-goers are known for being quiet, gentle bookworms, but it might be time for those parents, kids and others seeking work to raise a ruckus before it’s too late. It’s still our tax dollars are being spent--or in this case-- cut.

To find your local library's story times, click on Carolina Parent's Story Tmes and Weekly Events.

8 Comments

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I say scale back the operating hours, especially on low traffic days/nights, asking staff to get more done in fewer hours (I've been there, done that, you don't work at a library to get rich.) But they should also raise overdue fines, out of county fees (I pay $25 a year right now, and that's a bargain!) increase printing fees, and stop ordering hundreds and hundreds of copies of every NY Times Bestseller, Oprah book, etc. (And by the way smithkylec - many school media centers only allow students to check out AR books - meaning they can't get something fun and easy for recreational reading except at the public library!)

Homeward
January 29, 2009 9:54 p.m.

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I am 40 years old and use the library all the time. I take my young daughters there and we all pick out books for ourselves. The Duraleigh location is where I go and it's always full when I'm there.

I have always appreciated libraries at all places I've lived. Of all things the cut back, the library is what I would like to see NOT cut back costs. How do they make money? How do we get all those free books? The free use of internet and computers for children and adults who do not have that at their schools or homes?

This is a great thing for the non-privileged ones and especially now, when the economy is going down the drain. "We" all won't have the luxury to buy books, internet connections, computers, etc.

I'd like to know where I can officially put in, NOT A COMPLAINT, but a plea to reconsider.

billisgod
January 29, 2009 7:12 p.m.

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Umm, no it's not "free". Unless the staff works without pay, Progress Energy donates the electricity, donations pay for water etc. Nothing is "free".

daMoFo
January 29, 2009 6:46 p.m.

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who cares? every department has to cut their budgets. I don't think it's that great of a program anyway. Elementary schools have libraries. Middle Schools have libraries. High School's have libraries. Colleges have libraries. You can read for free at a book store. The internet has everything else.

27615
January 29, 2009 4:53 p.m.

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I doesnt no why anybudy would want cut liberries.

hereandnow99
January 29, 2009 4:32 p.m.

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As someone who has worked on cutting library costs in another city and state. It's not the horrible monster everyone thinks it is. It sounds bad in the media but it can be done without causing too much turmoil for citizens. Typically usage periods of the libraries are reviewed to find out if the libraries are open during times that people are minimally using the library. Reviewing staffing, it is possible to function with less staff. Reviewing items like that really make a difference but are not really seen to cause problems for the citizens.

What I have found in local government is citizens want all these services but the minute the city wants to raise taxes to cover the costs of new programs, no one wants to do it anymore.

lbl3373
January 29, 2009 12:59 p.m.

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The government likes to propose cuts for things that get the most bad publicity. Like education. Close the ABC stores and sell liquor in grocery stores. Give the savings to the Libraries. Problem solved.

aspenstreet1717
January 29, 2009 12:08 p.m.

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Herein lies the rub - no matter what is cut, somebody will complain. It's either make cuts, raise taxes, or some combination. Pick any single dollar that gov't spends and there is one group saying it's the most beneficial dollar while another group says it's the most wasteful.