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Cincinnati to Close Five BranchesThe Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County announced July 16 that a $4.3-million cut in Ohio’s Library and Local Government Support Fund has forced it to close five of its 41 branches. Officials said the closures will save the library $1.5 million, with an additional $700,000 saved by cutting supplies and contracted services and maintaining an ongoing hiring freeze. Typically 95% of the library’s $52.5 million budget comes from state personal income taxes, which are running about 7% lower than last year. Effective September 1, the Bond Hill, Greenhills, Deer Park, Mount Healthy, and Elmwood Place branches will shut their doors. All employees will transfer to other branches, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported July 17. About 70 concerned citizens packed Greenhills village chamber July 17 for an emergency council session to try to save the branch, with some 20 providing testimonials. “The library is the most important building in this town,” said resident Lora Wolke. “This was a very difficult decision, but the library’s first priority is maintaining the quality of our services, which is not directly proportional to the number of facilities,” said Library Executive Director Kimber L. Fender. “And, without a continuous flow of new capital dollars, we may soon be unable to properly maintain any of our facilities.” Other Ohio libraries are facing similar hard decisions. North Canton Public Library trustees are seeking ways to avoid shutting down their Greentown branch, an option they announced in June. At a July 17 meeting, area residents presented officials with 700 signatures on a petition to keep the branch open, according to the July 18 Akron Beacon-Journal. The library board will meet with residents August 9 to explore other solutions; if none is workable, the branch will close August 17. Posted July 22, 2002. |
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