None — Gaston County leaders are considering cutting deeply into the regional library system's budget in order to balance a shortfall of more than $5 million.
County commissioners are trying to make cuts totaling $5.2 million in the county's 2011 budget.
The library system would face steep reductions, forcing branches to operate just three days a week instead of the current six. The days each branch would be open haven't been decided, but days and hours would likely have to be staggered, according to county library director Cindy Moose.
The plan would also cut six full-time library jobs.
At the Belmont Library Thursday, many patrons were concerned by the proposed changes, which would take effect Aug. 1.
"I don't have access to a computer at the house or any of my neighbors, for that matter," Glenn Guess, who was filling out online job applications at the library Thursday, said.
"Don't shut them down, don't put them down to three days," Brandy Flarczyk said.
Morris said she plans to keep the main library in Gastonia open six days a week even if the cuts are made. The other branches, though, won't be able to be open full-time.
"I don't know that anyone wants to cut public libraries," Morris said.
County Commissioner Tracy Philbeck said he doesn't want to cut funding to the library system, adding that he's looking at all other options before next week's vote on the budget.
WSOC
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
