Library system receives increased state aid
Podcast Episode
Rock County's Arrowhead Library System is keeping an eye on the state budget and the economy after receiving the first installment of 2009 state aid from the Department of Public Instruction.
Arrowhead System Director Ruth Ann Montgomery says tough times bring more patrons to the library for job training classes and computer use. Libraries' new shared computer catalog system has increased loans from other libraries from 10,000 a year to 90,000 a year. The system had to purchase another van and also adjust for increased gas prices.
The first state aid payment is $490,327. Montgomery expects a second, smaller payment later in the year. She says she hopes legislators won't cut future payments from the state budget as they try to patch the budget hole.
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Dec 30, 2008 at 9:59 a.m.
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doc: I agree! We as janesville taxpayers support the library at a million a year!! Where does that all go?? New coffee bar, other wasteful things too! Come on we are allmaking adjustments in our own lives, they should have to as well. Libraries should just lend books and not get into all the free classes and things. Or charge a minimal fee for those services!
Dec 30, 2008 at 2:41 a.m.
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So what would happen if the library recieved no money this year and had to make due with what they have had for so many years, is what they had just months ago out-dated now?, If the library gets no money to buy extras in this down time and has to get by just on the bare minimum would they close? I think not to both of those two questions....... When we all have to cut back and live on the bare minimum I believe its about time that other agencies should have to do the same!!!!!!
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