Budget cuts cause library closure and service hour cuts

March 12, 8:16 AMDenver Sustainable City ExaminerSusanna Speier

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"One library will close and the six others in the city will shut down at least one more day each week as officials find ways to balance the budget in these tough economic times," I learned from 9 news.  As an active and enthusiastic user of both the Aurora as well as the Denver public libraries, I took this announcement personally.  It hurt.

Even the economically struggling County of Los Angeles in the veritably bankrupt State of California (another system that I actively and enthusiastically use) goes all out to protect their public library systems! 

Jumping onto the Aurora Public Library website to confirm, I was shocked to learn that, as of April 6th, only six Aurora library branches will remain.  "The weak economy and continued budget shortfalls" the library reports,  "led to the decision to close Chambers Plaza Library and cut back hours at the remaining libraries."

Given that roughly $19.6 million dollars in Aurora budget cuts have been made since 2002, this is, of course, understandable.  At the same time, it's shocking.  Not only do Aurora's libraries serve as a vital community hub ---just go and check out the vibrant, diverse, info savvy scene at the Central Branch this upcoming Saturday afternoon if you don't believe me--- they are one of the recession's most indispensable survival resources.  Even without the books--- where else can families and individuals go for free money management workshops, tax forms, computer classes, research assistance, wi-fi access, magazine subscriptions, DVD rentals and homework help all free of charge? 

Still not convinced?  Click here to calculate how much money the public library saves you on a monthly basis.  Given the environmental costs of electricity; paper and electronics manufacturing and, well, ignorance, the carbon savings your local library provides is priceless.