DeKalb County Public Library Announces Service Reductions

In a press release this week, the DeKalb County Public Library Board of Trustees announced a severe budget decrease and the resulting service reductions to be implemented beginning in April.

On February 22, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted to decrease the library's budget by twenty-two percent this year, leaving it at $12.5 million.  This is more than $3 million short of what the library system needs in order to operate all branches on a full schedule and maintain a minimal book budget.  In addition, the organization is obligated to open three new branches this spring.  As a result, all branches must operate on reduced hours for the remainder of the year.   In another cost-saving move, the current Scott Candler Branch in Decatur will close while the new Scott Candler branch is being completed.  The new branch is expected to open early next year.

In 2005, DeKalb voters approved the Library Construction Bond, indicating to the county that they wanted new and larger libraries.  As a result of this vote, the new Stonecrest branch as well as the newly renovated and enlarged Hairston Crossing and Salem-Panola branches are set to open by the end of May.  These three branches will give patrons access to an additional 112 computers and 110,000 collection items.

Being faced with budget and staff shortages during an expansion phase, the Board of Trustees believes that reduction in hours at all branches is the fairest solution.   Several resources were used in coming to this decision, including a patron survey last summer, which indicated that most patrons preferred reduced hours to branch closures.

On top of the schedule changes, the materials budget has also been slashed.  Just 3 years ago, the library system had a $2.4 million budget for new books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and electronic subscriptions, and for 2011, that budget has been reduced to just $100,000.  This will drastically reduce the number of new materials available this year at the library.

The Board hopes that these reductions will only be temporary, and they urge the public to "make your voice heard to elected officials and tell them that well-funded public libraries are important to you, your family, and the quality of life in DeKalb County."

What does this mean for the Tucker branches?  Both the Northlake-Barbara Loar and the libraries will keep the following hours, beginning April 4:

Monday and Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Wednesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (no more Wednesday evening hours)

Closed Sundays

Want to help the DeKalb County Public Library?  Donate to the Library Foundation, become a Friend of the library, or Volunteer.