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Don't cut libraries, supporters urge commission
Proposed reductions include closing seven smaller libraries, shutting all branches on Sundays
By Scott Wyman
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Supporters
of Broward County's library system rallied Tuesday, hoping to persuade
county commissioners not to close some libraries and cut hours at
others to balance next year's budget.
"It's heartbreaking,
absolutely heartbreaking, to think that some people won't be able to
have access to a library for their family," said Marilyn Martin of
Lighthouse Point. She uses the county libraries to find books for
home-schooling her 4-year-old and 6-year-old sons.
Proposed cuts
laid out so far include closing seven smaller libraries, canceling a
contract to help pay for the library at Nova Southeastern University,
shutting parks for a second day during the week, closing the animal
shelter in Pompano Beach to the public and ending free recreational
programs.
Tough economic times make libraries more vital, they
said, because people check out books rather than buy them, and log onto
the Internet at the library after canceling home service. Some proposed
closures of small reading rooms and branches, supporters argued, would
particularly inconvenience seniors, forcing them to travel further to
regional libraries.
"We just don't want to see anything happen
to our libraries because they are so important, particularly now," said
Evelyn Grooms, a Fort Lauderdale resident who is president of Friends
of the Library. "People need these services."
Some commissioners
expressed reservations about the cuts, but they are at the beginning
stages of a months-long process of drawing up spending plans for next
year. They will have to cut as much as $160 million from the $896
million spent on general operations -- or raise tax rates on homes and
businesses.
Broward's library system is the largest in the
nation following three decades of expansion financed by two
voter-approved bond initiatives. Library administrators said they chose
to recommend closing the seven based on proximity to other libraries,
amount of use and whether the building is leased or owned.
Commissioners
Kristin Jacobs and Ken Keechl raised concerns that eastern Broward
branches frequented by seniors, such as the Galt Ocean Mile Reading
Room and the Century Plaza Library, are on the closure list. "When
times gets tough, parks and libraries are among the few things people
can enjoy," Jacobs said.
Administrators said the recommendation
to close libraries would ensure fewer employees are laid off and the
remainder of the 37 libraries stay open as much as possible. Still,
hours at the 11 largest libraries would be trimmed from 58 hours a week
to 48 hours, with all libraries being shut on Sundays.
Commissioners
Lois Wexler and John Rodstrom said they will support consolidation.
"Automakers are looking at it, the world is looking at it," Wexler
said. "It is more important to me to provide as many library hours as
possible." While the commission will not vote on next year's budget
until September, a major decision will come in late June. That's when
commissioners will decide the maximum property tax rate they will
charge.
If they leave the rate the same as last year, the
library closures will be difficult to avoid because the cuts necessary
will likely top $130 million and could reach $160 million. They could
raise rates to collect as much in property taxes as last year,
technically not a tax increase under state law. That would still mean
cutting spending by about $45 million because other revenue has also
declined and costs have increased.
Scott Wyman can be reached at swyman@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4511