Connecticut Librarians “Speak Out” About Possibility of Severe Budget Cuts to Library Programs

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.
[Clip]
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.”

Much More About the Cuts in the Full Text Article
See Also: Connecticut Governor Connecticut Governor Proposes Significant Funding Cuts To Library Services (April 5, 2015)

Filed under: Funding, Libraries, Public Libraries