A Tri-State public library system is struggling to survive the tough economy without a levy on the November ballot.
People who use the Mason Public Library should be aware of the new operating hours. The library shortened its week by 23 hours to help combat a $150,000 deficit.
Library director Sara Brown also cut four part time employees, canceled subscriptions, reduced the use of office supplies, and stopped buying data bases. Brown mentioned it is all about funding. "Well, if the economy is down and people aren't working and the tax collection is lowered our funding goes down."
The library is now closed on Sunday, and that has affected job seeker Glen Allen. "I like to spend everyday possible looking for employment, and when they told me that they weren't open on Sunday, that actually did bother me."
Allen uses the Internet at the library to look for work, but he understands the situation. "I'm just glad that they are open at the times they are open."
Another one of the patrons is Kate Pieper who was there studying for her Phd in Communication. She was more concerned for the employees. "Well I guess I feel mostly bad whose hours have been cut, and the financial ramification's for their families."
Pieper boiled it down to this. "I mean everybody's had to make adjustments right? So it just makes sense that the library should have to do that too."
When asked about a levy for a voter, Brown said it is an option, but has not been discussed yet.
Two employees have resigned as a result of their hours being reduced and their positions will not be replaced.
