Published in the 6/6/10 issue of the Suburban Journals/Collinsville Herald
Metro East Libraries Brace for Massive Cuts
Library System Lays off Staff, Slices Services
Evaporated state funding is claiming another victim: Libraries.
The Lewis and Clark Library System, which links nearly every library book in the Metro East, on July 1 will no longer offer nonessential services to members – meaning the continuing education, legal advice and advocacy provided since the 1960s will end. Six positions will also be chopped.
The reason is a delay in funding from the Secretary of State’s Office, the primary source of money for the Edwardsville-based system. About half hasn’t arrived. Library officials have also been told that about $388,000 they’re owed may not be paid by the state until December. The void of cash is in addition to a possible 16 percent reduction in funds for the 2011 fiscal year.
Library System Executive Director Tina Hubert said their options are limited.
“We’ve been very concerned and monitoring our cash flow for a long time,” Hubert said. “We have cut all expenses to the bare bones.”
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– Shannon Philpott
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 