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Wilkes-Barre Library Faces 50% Staff Reduction, Service CutbacksFollowing a massive cut in funding from the state, the Osterhout Free Library in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, has announced it will cut at least half of its staff and drastically reduce services.“The Osterhout faces a critical shortfall in part due to the state’s 50% cut in funding to public libraries, a figure that translates to $435,000, or one-fourth of the library’s income,” said Board President Susan Sordoni. “A supplemental state budget is being negotiated by the legislature and at this point we are hopeful that some appropriation will be restored, but we must be prepared if it isn’t,” she added. Library Executive Director Diane Suffren said in the November 26 Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice that around 20 staff members would be affected. In addition, library hours will be reduced by 35%; spending on new materials will be cut by 50%; open computer labs and all non-grant-funded outreach programming will be suspended; and reference services, children’s programming, and interlibrary loan services will be reduced. Adding to the fiscal crisis is the city’s failure to make its annual donation to the library. The Citizens Voice reported November 23 that Wilkes-Barre has only made $5,000 of its usual $500,000 contribution this year. “We just don’t have the money,” lamented city Controller Bernie Mengeringhausen. If the city fails to make its payment by December 31, the library’s $600,000 in 2003 state funding will be jeopardized. Posted November 26, 2003. |
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