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Residents urge Beltrami County to spare libraries as proposed cuts would reduce hours and staff
Summary
Multiple Bemidji-area residents and library staff told the Beltrami County Board that proposed cuts to regional library funding would reduce hours from 56 to about 35 per week and eliminate positions, harming internet access, literacy programs and vulnerable patrons.
Speakers at Beltrami County's meeting said proposed reductions to regional library funding would have a direct, human impact on residents who rely on library services.
Sherilyn Warren, who identified herself as a branch manager at the Midgee Public Library, told the board that a proposed 40 percent cut to staff at the regional library system would translate to the equivalent loss of roughly 3.6 positions out of nine, and could reduce the Bemidji library's weekly open hours from 56 to about 35. "When I say that we're losing 3.6 employees, that doesn't mean we're losing 3.6 people. That could be 5 employees depending on the hours that they work," Warren said.
The concerns were echoed by other residents.…
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