Virginia Budget Cuts Slash
Library Funds by 15%
To address a budget shortage that could reach $2 billion over two years, Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner announced $858 million in statewide emergency cuts October 15, including 15% reductions in aid for local and regional libraries, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported October 16.
Local libraries will likely lose $3 million, forcing many to cut hours. For the Fairfax County library system, the loss of nearly $100,000 will buy 4,000 fewer books, according to the October 17 Washington Post. And the Library of Virginia will be forced to lay off 40 employees and close an additional day besides Sunday each week.
On a wider scale, the cuts mean 1,800 state workers, plus several thousand more on college campuses, will lose jobs. “I know this is going to hurt, and that it will have a dramatic impact on many Virginians who depend on state services, on thousands of students in our colleges and universities and the state employees who will lose their jobs,” Warner said.
Posted October 21, 2002.
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