/Doors will close’ Library commission mulls state budget cuts

Doors will close’ Library commission mulls state budget cuts

The state’s general fund will provide nine percent less funding to the commission than last year. This money is used to assist libraries with distribution of federal and state funds, and oversight. The commission will receive $10,502,824 in total. Last year, the original allocation was $11,555,000. Susan Cassagne is the executive director of Mississippi Library Commission. She stated that “some doors will close” and that services would be lost. Cassagne stated that the biggest impact on libraries in the state will be caused by a “significant reduction” to the Personnel Incentive Grant Program. This program helps libraries hire staff and purchase new materials, including books. Libraries may have to reduce staffing or cut hours if there is less grant money available. When deciding which budget line items to trim, the commission must also consider federal funds matching programs and state-mandated expenses. Pamela Pridgen is one of five library commissioners. She stated that the state of Mississippi requires that the commission spend $4.4 million on state insurance for employees as well as an education program called MAGNOLIA. To receive $1.8 million in federal matching funds, the commission must also spend approximately $1 million. Pridgen stated that neither the state statute funding nor the federal required funding will have to be reduced by the commission. This leaves a little over $5 million in the budget. Pridgen stated that they will have to reduce hours. This could be staff to make it easier for people to do different things or the hours of a branch. We are not at the point of excess budgets. “The cut will have a real impact on what people get in their communities.” Public libraries in Mississippi receive a portion of local and municipal taxes, as well as funding from the state commission. Local governments may increase taxes to maintain current library services. Pridgen stated that every Mississippi public library has internet access, which provides many people with an avenue for searching for jobs and doing research on education. Cassagne claims that cuts to the state’s education system could lead to fewer jobs and a lower quality education for many students in public schools. “We’re hurting,” Pridgen said. We want the state’s citizens to understand that we are a service industry and want to provide excellent service. But if you cut our money, you’re cutting our services. That will only harm Mississippians.” To support this work, make a regular donation to the Spring Member Drive today. This will allow us to continue important work such as this story. Our reporters give a human face to policy’s impact on everyday Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding those who live in Mississippi. To ensure that our work is aligned with the priorities and needs of all Mississippians, we are listening to you. Click the button below to let us know what you think.