Public library braces for cuts

For the second straight year, the Gladstone Public Library (OR) is facing drastic cuts in funding as the economy slowly recovers and contributors remain guarded financially.

In addition to its revenue, Gladstone Public Library is dependent on several funding sources to maintain operations. These include: penal fines (traffic tickets), appropriations, state aid, gifts, book fines/photocopies and donations. Recently, the Gladstone City Commission proposed a 2011-2012 budget, in which its contribution to the library decreases from the 2010-2011 fiscal year level of $16,500 to $2,000. The nearly 88 percent cut accompanies anticipated decreases in state aid and penal fines - the primary funding sources for the library. According to Lori Wells, director of the Library Advisory Committee, the city's funding cut is a financial blow to the library.