No New Budget Cuts For State Libraries

NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Going to the library may be considered a falling trend for young people, but rural communities still depend on libraries.

For years, the money to keep library doors open has been cut, but recent legislation is working to change that trend.

State legislation is agreeing to level funding for our state libraries, and that has librarians breathing a sigh of relief.

Beth Edwards has been the Winston County librarian for 21 years.

We asked if she’s seen a rise or fall in the funding for local libraries, and it didn’t take long for her to answer.

“Oh! Definitely fall,” said Edwards. “Several libraries in North Mississippi have had to close recently and on the coast also, is my understanding, because of budget cuts from the state legislature.”

Since 2015, cut after cut has been made to the state library budget, but for this fiscal year, libraries are getting a break.

Edwards says it’s because of the big push libraries across the state made to their local legislators.

“I think that made a lot of difference. I think they do realize the importance of public libraries, and especially rural libraries,” said Edwards.

While it’s not an increase funding, it’s not a decrease either, and libraries like the one in Louisville are calling it a win.

“It’s critical to, especially, a rural community. I mean, we’re kind of like the community center,” said Edwards.

On top of state funding, President Donald Trump signed the Omnibus Spending Bill into law Friday, which gives Mississippi an additional $5.7 million for enhanced grant projects.

That type of grant helped the Louisville Library with their 2003 expansion.

“We almost doubled our size here, but building grants for those have been disappearing. I hope to see more building grants come back to libraries, because without that we would’ve never been able to add that room,” said Edwards.

What’s more, there’s been an up-tick in health insurance premiums for librarians, beginning in January of 2019.

In addition to no cuts in the library budget, that additional cost will be covered by the state.