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Residents urge Beltrami County to preserve library funding as budget talks continue
Summary
Multiple Bemidji-area residents told Beltrami County commissioners that cutting library funding would harm literacy programs, job-seeking services and vulnerable children; speakers urged the board to accept an $81,000 regional contribution and seek alternatives to staff and hours cuts.
Dozens of residents told the Beltrami County Board of Commissioners on Monday that proposed reductions to library funding would undermine programs that support literacy, job searches and children living in poverty.
"We simply can't afford to cut funding for the library," said Camille, a student at Bemidji State University, as she described the library's economic and social returns. Local speakers cited programs for toddlers, adult education, computer access for job hunters and summer reading offerings.
Pam Reuger, a longtime Bemidji resident, urged commissioners to accept what she described as a…
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