Instead of cutting library's budget, we should be hiking it

Published: November 15th, 2011 08:15 PM
Last Modified: November 15th, 2011 08:15 PM

I am deeply frustrated that the 2012 library system's funding will be cut once again. According to the Anchorage Library Foundation's Library Budget Chart, 26 years ago, in 1985, the library received 4.02 percent of the municipal budget at $8.3 million (NOT adjusted for inflation) to serve 80,002 library cardholders.

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Remarkably, in 2012 they are slated to receive a paltry 1.75 percent of the budget at $7.7 million to serve 184,105 cardholders. More than double the cardholders, with less funding than they received in 1985. The critical services that the library provides to the community necessitate Assembly support.

Instead of gutting the library's funding and disabling the community's resources, the Assembly needs to show Anchorage citizens that education, research opportunities, and literacy skills are valued for a strong workforce. It is imperative that citizens have the same opportunities and access to technology and information at all economic levels.

I am requesting a funding increase for the Anchorage library system in order to support a vibrant, strong and successful community.

-- Jamie Patterson Simes

Anchorage