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Residents urge Allegany County to spare local libraries as system faces budget shortfall
Summary
Multiple public commenters asked commissioners to prevent proposed library closures and to provide clarity about funding shortfalls; county staff said no decisions will be made before the library board’s June meeting and indicated a February meeting for local discussion.
Dozens of residents and local nonprofit volunteers spoke at the Allegany County commissioners’ meeting to contest potential closures in the county library system and to demand clarity about the budget shortfall driving the proposals.
Vicki Brennaman, a long-time business owner and Westernport resident, told commissioners “every community needs access to their public library,” citing libraries’ roles as places to warm up, cool down, use computers and apply for jobs. Trish Morgan, who said she leads a new nonprofit, Save the Westernport Library, described a fundraising target she said the Alleghany County Library System told her would be necessary to keep the branch open and called the figure “unreasonable” unless the county provides clear criteria and guarantees.
Several speakers disputed the specific numbers. County staff present told the board the library committee’s identified figure for Westernport is about $65,000; public commenters said they were told they needed to raise $122,000 by mid-May to influence a June decision. One commenter also alleged missed grant opportunities, saying the library system did not apply to the Rocky Gap Foundation and thereby missed potential funding.
Commissioners and staff told attendees they do not intend to close branches without further discussion. County staff said an informational meeting is scheduled next month and that the library board will make final decisions in June. Administrator Bennett said staff would post meeting details and urged residents to attend.
Speakers said they are organizing fundraising drives, volunteer support and community meetings; one local group is planning a Feb. 11 meeting to rally support and collect signatures and pledges. Commissioners asked staff to work with library leaders and to post meeting information online so residents can follow and participate in the planning process.
