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Last updated 11:43 am CT September 02, 2010.
Illinois Library Systems Wait for Cash from State
Through this network, libraries can share their books, CDs and DVDs.
Executive Director of the Shawnee Library System, Joe Harris, says, “If [users] don't find it at their local library, say whether it's Carterville, Marion, Herrin, Carbondale, Robinson or wherever, they can go online and see it, and see if it's available and order it.>
Library systems provide training to staff members, who otherwise may not have the opportunity to work in a library, and they provide consulting services to libraries across the region.
Particularly in a time of recession, more people are using libraries.
“People have had to drop their internet access. They go to their local libraries for these things. They want more services. They're looking for jobs and we can provide some of this through connecting these libraries and bringing them together and supporting them.”
Last year, the library system's budget was cut nearly 17 percent, which led to a reduction in programs, positions left unfilled, and lay-offs.
The Shawnee Library System and and Illinois Regional Library system as a whole has received no state-funding this entire fiscal year.
Harris says, “We've been operating without any money and without any reserves and we're at the point where we might have to borrow in order to make payroll.”
If the state doesn't pay up, the libraries will not be able to share materials, causing smaller public and school libraries to suffer.
”We're not asking to raise taxes or anything of that nature. We're just asking for that money that's been appropriated for us.”
If you would like to help, visit the link below and fill out the user-friendly form; an email will go straight to Governor Quinn and Comptroller Dan Hynes.
By: Katie Walls
kwalls@wsiltv.com
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