Geauga libraries to curb purchases due to cuts

CHARDONDue to the weak economy and an 11 percent cut in state funding Geauga's public libraries will cut back on purchasing books, DVDs and other audiovisual materials, according to Director Deborah O'Connor.

The library board met Monday and trimmed $360,000 from its budget. To make ends meet, the board also delayed purchasing "badly needed" computer equipment and will use its reserve building repair fund to purchase any essential equipment.

"I just hope we don't have to commit to any costly roof or driveway repairs this year," she said.

The library will not cut hours, and the public will not see any drastic cuts in service, as was feared last month when Gov. Ted Strickland proposed cutting library funds nearly 30 percent.

This was after a previous 20 percent reduction in funding for libraries through reduced state sales and income tax collections announced earlier this year -- which would have totalled a 50 percent funding cut since the beginning of the year.

Instead, the second wave of funding cuts is about 11 percent, bringing the total revenue reduction for libraries this year to about 30 percent.

"We are stretching our resources as far as we can," O'Connor said. "We used prudent planning earlier this year and have not replace personnel who retired or resigned."

She said the library also cut back in material purchases earlier this year and increased the number of holds on best sellers before purchasing additional copies.

"The real challenge will come in 2010 -- when we try to make ends meet with an entire year of reduced funding," O'Connor said.

The county operates libraries in Bainbridge, Chardon, Middlefield and Chester as well as library stations in Newbury and Thompson and a bookmobile.

Contact Rusek at (216) 986-5474.