Newton County Library Board requests $966K funding to enhance services and staff

Newton County's library system is facing a critical funding crisis, as highlighted during the recent Board of Commissioners meeting on April 8, 2025. Library representatives passionately advocated for a budget increase, emphasizing that the current funding level of $916,000 has remained unchanged for 16 years, despite rising operational costs and inflation.

Zach Ames, chair of the Newton County Library System Board, underscored the urgent need for additional resources, stating, "We just need more people. We want to keep the libraries open and increase services." The library's director, Lise Keaton, reported that circulation numbers have remained strong, with over 220,000 items checked out last year, but the library's ability to meet community demands is dwindling due to staffing cuts and limited hours.

Frank Turner, the board treasurer, painted a dire picture of the library's financial situation, revealing that without an increase in funding, the library could face severe service reductions. "We need some more money... we hope we can keep going. Otherwise, things are going to get bad," he warned.

The library's staff has been reduced from 41 to just 12, severely limiting their capacity to serve the community. The board members acknowledged the challenges of balancing funding requests from various departments, with Commissioner Madison noting, "Every other department in the county is coming for funding."

As the county grapples with development pushback that limits revenue, the library's future hangs in the balance. The board is tasked with finding a way to support essential services, including the library, amidst growing demands and limited resources. The library advocates are hopeful that their pleas will resonate with the commissioners, leading to a much-needed budget increase to sustain and enhance library services for the community.