Two Public libraries in Albany are closing. The Dougherty County Public Library Board of Trustees approved a plan to close two branches, lay off 6 employees, and decrease hours system-wide.
The two libraries that are being closed are Southside Branch Library and Westtown Branch Library.
Officials say it is an effort to absorb decreases in state and local funding and increases in employee benefits.
Library attendance increases as the economy worsens. But these tough times have forced two libraries in Albany to close.
"We have had to make some tough decisions, over the past few years we have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in state and local funding while our expenses have continued to rise," says Ashley MooreLibrary Director.
People who use Southside and Westtown libraries are devastated by the news.
"That means that I am going to have to travel way to the other side of town to use the library and this is the closest one in this area," says Sarah ThomasStudent.
"Over here on the Southside this is the most used Library and if they take this library away then we have to travel downtown to the central library," says Gregory Wheeler, Library attendee.
Some library users say Internet access is the main reason they go.
"I don't have a lap top so the library is my source," says Thomas.
"It will hinder me from getting jobs, getting hits on my emails, and checking my emails," says Wheeler.
"In the morning when I get here, people are lined up to use the computer, so what are they going to do now," says
Amie Bush who teaches disadvantaged children how to read at the Westtown Library, says it is a resource that is greatly needed in the area.
"They chose the two main libraries for the disadvantaged, this is the south side, there is not a whole lot going on, on the south side, but the library is a good outreach," says Amie BushTutor.
Library officials say they have already made cuts and taken other steps over the last few years to save money.
"We have done things in the past such as frozen open positions, decrease the amount of materials that we have available to our community, a couple of years ago we decreased our hours"
Library closing decisions were made based on the overall cost of library operations, usage levels, proximity to other branches and library size.
Upcoming programming planned for the Southside Branch Library and Westtown Branch Library will be rescheduled other branches.
The branches will close their doors at the end of the business day on Saturday, June 30.
Effective July 1, hours for the branches to remain open are:
Northwest Branch and Tallulah Massey Branch Central Branch
Monday 10am – 8pm Monday 10am – 8pm
Tuesday – Thursday 10am – 6pm Tuesday – Thursday 10am – 6pm
Friday – Saturday 10am – 2pm Friday – Saturday 10am – 2pm
Sunday closed Sunday 2pm – 6pm
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