From the Stamford Advocate:
It was in 1973 that things changed dramatically for public libraries in the state. That was when a Connecticard program was created to allow anyone in Connecticut to enter any public library in the state and borrow materials.
The program, funded annually by a state grant of about $1 million, has been a huge success: State officials say 5 million books a year are checked out using the Connecticard service.
But now, librarians in the state are making noise about Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s proposed 2015-16 budget, which would “zero out” the program, meaning that this option would no longer exist for book-borrowers, librarians say.
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The governor says that he’s not eliminating Connecticard, just the state support of it.
“To be clear, the Connecticard is not being eliminated — libraries can still continue the program and accept existing cards using the funds that they have,” said David Bednarz, a spokesman in the governor’s office. “We understand there are tough choices and difficult decisions made in this budget, but we are ultimately putting Connecticut on a path toward a brighter future.”
State Librarian Kendall F. Wiggin disagreed.
“Not only would the program not be available for borrowers, it would have to be dismantled entirely — statutorily eliminated,” Wiggin said. “We’re the only state that has this kind of program, and if it’s zeroed out, getting the program back would be very difficult.”
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