Public libraries are in a financial bind.
The rough economy has less money coming in from the state while more people rely on library services.
There are two library systems in Butler County.
Those who run the Middletown Library system, which includes Middletown, West Chester and Trenton, say circulation is up 11 percent from this time last year.
Libraries in Hamilton, Oxford and Fairfield are part of the Lane Library system. A spokesperson for Lane says the bad economy contributes to its circulation going up 4 percent.
Despite the increase in demand, each system projects the state to reduce its funding by $1 million this year.
To help balance the budget Lane Library managers are taking a 4.5 percent salary cut. The rest of the employees are taking a two week furlough.
The Middletown libraries have eliminated 17 jobs over the last four years through attrition.
Both library systems have also reduced their expenses on supplies.
