by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Jacksonville Public Library Director Barbara Gubbin made a special delivery to City Hall Wednesday when she presented a new library card to Mayor John Peyton.
Accompanying Gubbin was Mark Wood, chair of the Public Library Board of Trustees, and Board member Rita Cannon, who were there to show the board’s support of the property tax millage increase proposed by Peyton to balance the City’s 2009-10 budget.
Wood said the Public Library depends on a level of support from the City to maintain its services.
“Many people don’t realize the only sources of revenue the library has are the City and donations from organizations like the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation and the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library,” said Wood.
He said in this economy any budget shortfalls aren’t likely to be replaced by donations, making City funding even more critical. A library budget deficit would certainly result in limiting library hours and having to close some neighborhood branch libraries.
Gubbin pointed out that although some people have suggested charging a small fee for services like borrowing a book or DVD, the library is prohibited by state law from doing so.
“The only thing we can charge for is if you lose your card and it has to be replaced and late fees,” she said. “Offering our services to everyone in the community free of charge is what makes us a public library.”
The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library adopted a resolution Wednesday supporting the millage increase.
“No one likes the idea of a tax increase, even a small one, but we know how important libraries are for all our neighborhoods,” said Friends President Harry Reagan. “The idea of closing libraries is not something we like to think about, but that seems to be a very real possibility.”
Peyton said he and his family use the library on a regular basis. “We’re very proud of our Public Library. In this economy you are providing a very valuable service,” he said.
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