Hawaii State Librarian Requests
Special Funds to Open Branch
Hawaii State Librarian Virginia Lowell asked the state legislature January 20 to approve $1 million in emergency funds this year and $1.7 million in 2004–2005 to open the new Kapolei branch library as scheduled in December.
The library, which will be that state’s second largest branch, was completed in the spring of 2002. At that time Lowell had requested $1.7 million in supplemental funds for a startup collection of books and to cover other operating costs, but received only $267,000, the Honolulu Star-Bulletin reported January 21.
Public libraries in the state are facing shorter hours due to statewide budget restrictions, and Lowell said she is considering charging for Internet use and printing and copying services, which are now free.
“However, with additional cuts being planned or discussed, and with an even higher percentage of our general fund going to salaries, we know we can no longer conduct business as usual and that we must embark on a different path to accomplish our mission,” Lowell said.
Posted January 27, 2003.
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