LIBRARY FACING FINANCIAL CRUNCH - Levy Failed Last Week, Appreciation Expressed For Voter Support

(05/21/2002)
Calhoun's only public library is facing a financial crisis, which is becoming clearer since the failure of a small library levy last week. "If we don't get Budget Digest money to keep us going, we will have to cut library hours to thirty hours a week," said library board President Grace Richards.

Richards said she and friends of the library are very grateful for the support the levy received. "We thank those who tried to help us," she said. It was not enough, with only 55% of the voters giving approval, and 60% needed.

This year there was less support than two years ago, when the levy failed by less than one-half of one-percent.

Voters south of Mount Zion voted heavily against the levy.

"We have tried to provide a multitude of services to our citizens, from computer access to a well developed historical archives, to availability of books, research materials, audio-visual materials and dozens of other services," she said.

Richards said the library donated hundreds of books to the Minnora Center for the creation of a small library in that community.

Richards said if the library drops below 30 hours a week "We will loose our state grant."