Budget time is coming full circle for local, state and national governments.
The Trump administration released its proposed budget for 2018 fiscal which included some proposed increases to different areas, including $54 million to the defense budget, $2.6 million for a wall on the Mexican border and $1.4 million for school choice.
While some areas saw increases, decreases were also proposed including the elimination of funding for 19 agencies.
Along with cuts to arts and humanities, the elimination of funding to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) could ultimately see libraries and museums be affected nationwide.
It is a cause for concern, according to Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library Director Renita Barksdale, who said the library would be unable to continue what’s it has been able to accomplish if the proposed budget did to pass.
“We wouldn’t be able to keep our programs,” Barksdale said. “They would be gone completely because I wouldn’t be able to fund those. Also, new books. We wouldn’t be able to buy new books or technology.”
IMLS allow grant funding available for libraries. Barksdale added the local library has been able to utilize the resources LSTA grant – which helped the library purchase for new computers, three monitors, and other items – and the FACT grant which allows instructors to come in and teach classes.
“We would just have to use our old technology until it falls apart,” Barksdale said. “Also with computer classes, I pay someone to come in with the FACT grant to teach people how to use Microsoft Word and basically how to use a computer. That type of program would also be gone. We were able to hold 30 classes last year with the fact grant, and I applied for the grant again this year.”
IMLS provides over $3 million annually for Tennessee libraries. The breakdown of spending was provided by the local library:
• Tennessee Electronic Library – $838,000
• Collection Materials (Ebooks and Audiobooks) – $731,800
• Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped – $71,500
• Network Services Consultant Program and Statewide Catalog – $993,358
• Technology (i.e. Grants) – $270,900
• Other – $242,564
While the library would be able to stay functional, problems could arise in the future.
“I will be able to keep my staff, but we wouldn’t be able to give them new things,” Barksdale said. “Eventually, that means there would be cuts.”
The public is encouraged to make their voices heard about the current proposal.
“If you want to save the libraries, you need to talk to your local state representatives, the House, senators and let them know how to vote,” Barksdale said. “We have also have a petition on our Facebook page, and we encourage people to sign it. The more people who are involved with this position, the more the federal government will realize what the library means to the public.”
But as spring hits full throttle, the library is offering a variety of events for the public.
“April is definitely an exciting month for us,” Barksdale said. “We have a teen murder/mystery program that is going on Tuesday, April 11. We also have the Imagination Library program going on April 8 to honor the local teachers. We have tickets available here, and they are $20.”
Barksdale added the library would be holding their final free tax preparation on April 1.
Other additions to the library include a change to the community meeting room policy. Anybody looking to rent out the room can also have food and drinks for a $50 nonrefundable fee. Use of the projector is also $10.
For more information on upcoming events at the library, visit the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library, which includes a petition to support IMLS funding, or call the library at (423) 547-6360.