Maryland libraries may receive a 26% spending increase over the next three years under a proposal of Governor Parris N. Glendening to divvy up a $5.1-million budget surplus, the Washington Post reported January 22.
The plan, which would give libraries some $2.5 million—about half the surplus—is the state's first attempt to restore local libraries since economic troubles prompted deep budget cuts in the early 1990s. It would allow local systems to restock bookshelves and magazine racks, extend hours, update computer technology, and, in one county, expand services to non-English speaking immigrants.
In public appearances, Glendening has described finding outdated material on library shelves, such as a 1981 computer manual and a 1950s book on America's best athletes that showed only white players on the cover.
Posted January 26, 1998.