The board of the Chatham-Effingham-Liberty Regional Library in Savannah, Georgia, held a public debate November 19 on its controversial proposal to close six branches and replace them with expanded bookmobile service, according to the Savannah Morning News.
Marketing Director Vicki Minor played a nine-minute video showing how new libraries can create an economic renaissance, apparently referring to the renovated main library on Bull Street that is scheduled to reopen in January. However, library board member Velma McKenzie spoke against the branch closings, saying that the outreach program will cost $100,000 more than the six branches combined and asking for proof that the bookmobile service will be more effective.
A group calling itself the Concerned Citizens for Library Preservation passed around a petition to keep the branches open. It is also calling for the resignations of Minor, Library Director Lon Dickerson, and Library Board Chairman Jack Kaster.
Posted November 30, 1998.