Readers roar for increases in library funding

I love to hear from you when you let me know that your cars are as messy as mine, you juggle ridiculously complex carpool schedules and you struggle, like me, to live within a reasonable financial margin.

But I don't think I've heard from as many of you as I did after last week's column about my love for libraries and my worries about the funding cuts they're facing even as we need them more.

What really makes me appreciate all of you is the willingness of so many to go along with my (joking) proposal to launch a Save the Libraries bumper sticker campaign. Who would've known so many of you would want to stick tacky signs on your car, thereby displaying your inner book nerd for all to see?

But that's what makes you great.

"Sign me up for a 'Save the Libraries' bumper sticker!" writes Kimberly Lee, a pediatrics professor and fellow library lover. "Our overdue fines, while reliable and predictable income for (Charleston County Public Library), will only go so far."

The folks at the Charleston County Public Library and others want to jump in, too, so if you're interested in possibly attaching something to your car, contact publicrelations@ccpl.org.

Among those eager to help is Jamie Thomas, who heads up public relations. Thomas wants people to realize that Charleston County libraries already are the busiest in the state. And getting busier.

"Residents realize that today's libraries are more than just rows of books. They are community and recreational centers, educational hubs, technology centers and learning outlets available to every resident, regardless of age, income, neighborhood or employment," Thomas writes.

In the last six months of 2008, compared with 2007, demands for services surged. Nearly 22 percent more people applied for new cards. I'll assume they are planning to check out material.

Yet circulation already rose 12 percent, and reference questions increased 11 percent.

At the same time, state budget writers are looking at huge cuts to local governments because state coffers are suffering. The state budget's first draft would cut funding to local governments by 42 percent.

"With such a huge hit to the county, it is hard to imagine how that wouldn't mean further budget cuts next year for the library," Thomas says. Already, the Charleston County libraries have lost about $500,000 in state and county funds.

Reader Kathi Regalbuto points out that libraries benefit even people who don't use them. That's because people use public libraries for things that can save money and help the economy, such as remedial education, job skills development and job resources such as employment Web sites and newspaper ads.

My mother and longtime librarian, Allyson Lutz, offered a sad but wise warning. One of the first areas often cut, she said, is the children's area.

This worries people such as reader and writer Holly Fisher. Like many of us, she's a parent who knows that encouraging kids to read benefits them in countless ways.

"There is something magical about the library — the shelves full of literary possibilities, the distinct smell of a library book that has the power to make your imagination come alive," Fisher writes.

"Now is the time to instill a passion for libraries, making them a place to visit in tough times and in prosperous days," Fisher adds.

Another reader, Kimberly Drake, is a mother of three who describes how a library can spark a love for reading. Her son, Caleb, faces typical reading barriers: competition from TV, video games and anything his older siblings are doing.

Then one day, Caleb checked out "Mustang Canyon" from the library. To Drake, it was a book to read once and send back, not one she'd otherwise buy at a bookstore.

But Caleb asked to read it three times that night. Then three times each night after that, until his class' library day. Then a letter came home noting that Caleb hadn't returned his book.

"Turns out, he had quietly stowed his treasure under his bed and had been reading it to himself every night," Drake recalls.

So came a long talk about how libraries work, about how you can check out anything you want, but then you share it with others. Then, Drake bought two copies for Caleb to keep. And she paid the best overdue fines ever.

Gene Hashley, another reader, offers a solution.

He's a retired librarian who winters here from Michigan. He uses the Berkeley County libraries, where "it is evident that the staff is struggling to provide excellent service while experiencing severe funding cuts."

He recalls when Michigan libraries were in trouble 15 years ago. The state legislature approved a law that allows communities to form library districts, which can get voter approval to levy their own property taxes (which also require voter approval).

This gave libraries consistent funding.

"Library funding needs to cease being a line item in a larger governmental budget that has many competing priorities," he says. "It is a serious situation that needs to be addressed. If it is not, our libraries are in serious jeopardy."

Reach Jennifer Berry Hawes at jhawes@postandcourier.com or 937-5743.