Budget cuts to impact local libraries

The internet has many uses at the Sikeston Public Library by the staff and the public alike. Ann Thompson checks in books Wednesday afternoon, using the computer at the front desk. (Jill Bock, Staff)

SIKESTON -- Libraries are more than a place to check books in and out of the shelves.

That's the message librarians statewide are hoping the governor and legislators will hear when finalizing the state budget for 2016.

Last month Gov. Jay Nixon released about $6 million in fiscal year 2015 state aid that had previously been withheld since June. About $2.78 million is earmarked for general state aid to local libraries with another $3.1 million covering an Internet resource serving known as REAL, or Remote Electronic Access for Libraries.

The REAL appropriation allows library districts to receive discount Internet service, training and technical support. Without REAL, library officials said, Internet costs can easily double or triple, creating funding woes for smaller library systems.

Libraries have increasingly become a source for patrons who don't have Internet access at home.

"Of course, in April the governor released funds for 2015, but it's the next fiscal year for 2016 where the impact will be felt," Sikeston Public Library Director Sue Tangeman said.

The governor's 2016 budget recommendations propose reduced funding for Missouri library programs to $5,648,776 from $11,538,251 in 2015. Nixon's recommendations for state libraries in the proposed 2016 budget also give no funding to the REAL program.

For the full story, see Thursday's e-edition.