Public libraries in Hawaii will not need to reduce hours or services in order to cope with a 2% budget cut in 2002–2003. The library system will handle the $424,504 reduction by freezing positions when employees leave, lowering the number of student-helper hours, and trimming acquisitions, the Honolulu Advertiser reported September 6.
“We’ve tightened the belt, and we think we’ll make it,” State Librarian Virginia Lowell told the state board of education September 5. “That’s without further restrictions. So light candles,” she added.
In February the legislature had asked all state agencies to expect cuts based on budget shortfalls. Statewide, the library has $1.17 million this year for purchasing books and equipment.
Posted September 16, 2002.