Library Officials 'Shocked' at Funding Reductions

Your local Gwinnett Public Library branch may be open fewer days and hours this fall.

GCPL officials described the proposed changes Monday as part of the ongoing in Lawrenceville. The plan includes a "non-tax revenue" plan that could raise $4 million annually.

GCPL Chairman Philip Saxton said library officials were "shocked" when their funding was reduced 15 percent, to the current level of $16.1 million. With the current reductions and increasing dependence on non-government funds, "we hope you will give some back."

The most immediate change will be that all branches will be reduced to a five-day, 40-hour week (from the current seven days, 53 hours). Nancy Stanbury-Kellum of the library organization said she is not sure when the reduction will occur, or which days will be targeted for closure.

"We have to look at (keeping) evenings (open) for commuters, and students on weekends," she said, adding that the hours of operations would be the same at each branch.