Clergyman asks for libraries to open - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Clergyman asks for libraries to open

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By Tara Herrschaft - bio | email
Bishop John Burr offered to take the top spot on the library board Bishop John Burr offered to take the top spot on the library board
Co. Commissioners are considering feedback on the closing of two libraries Co. Commissioners are considering feedback on the closing of two libraries

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Library officials say they had no choice, but to shut down two library branches on June 30th because of budget problems.

And members in one community are offering up ideas to try to re-open the branches.

Bishop John Burr with the People Clergy Community Involvement group offered to take over as chairman of the library board if current chairman Guy Craft, resigns.

He told Dougherty County Commissioners he believes the board needs better management.

"I'd be willing to do it for two years," Burr said. "I have the expertise. There's not a shortfall, they have the money. All we have to do is place the dollars in the right place. And make them totally accountable what they're doing for the taxpayers."

Just weeks ago, Craft threatened to step down when things got heated between him and Commissioner John Hayes.

The Southside and Westtown library branches shut down on June 30th. Commissioners have questioned whether enough was done to prevent the closures.

Commissioners say they and the public should have had more input.

"That was too draconian, the action was absolutely too draconian for it not to have the level of oversight that they should of had. I just believe that that decision is not a closed issue and that we need to take some action to look at what that board did," said commissioner Gloria Gaines.

Burr also suggested re-opening the two branches when the downtown branch closes temporarily for renovations at the end of this year, or beginning of next.  But they plan on opening a location across the street during the construction.

"By that time, 14 months or so, we'll recover necessary funds, shift it around to maintain those two libraries for the duration, indefinitely," said Burr.

Library officials say they have already looked at re-opening the two branches during the renovation but say it's still too costly based on their budget.

Commissioner Gloria Gaines says the library board needs to go back and look at their budget and their efforts to absorb additional health costs.

She had no comment on the idea of John Burr becoming chairman of the library board. 

We couldn't reach board Chairman Guy Craft, but the Dougherty County Public Library System Director says Craft has no intention of stepping down.  And the director says the library board votes on the chairman.

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