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Foley library board member urges Benton County to rethink hours cut and stay in Great River regional system
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Summary
Rosalie Musacchio, who identifies herself as president or chair of the Foley library board, told the county board that recent budget-driven hour reductions and talk of leaving the Great River regional library system would harm seniors, preschoolers, nursing-home residents and homeschoolers in eastern Benton County.
Rosalie Musacchio, who identified herself as president or chair of the Foley library board, warned the Benton County Board that cuts to library hours and any move away from the Great River regional library system would hurt vulnerable residents in eastern Benton County.
"Libraries are particularly important in small towns," Musacchio said, recounting long local use by seniors, preschool children, homeschoolers and nursing-home residents. She said the Foley branch runs well within the Great River system and that an hour reduction and related budget changes are already affecting patrons and staff.
County staff and commissioners said the item will be placed on the board's March 17 agenda for fuller discussion and that they will collect information in advance. Commissioners noted there has been discussion of reducing hours but, to their knowledge, no final vote to leave the regional system. The board agreed to review written information and to hear the library issue at the next meeting.
Musacchio urged commissioners to consider the service needs of people who rely on the Foley branch, and to bring data to the March agenda so the board can weigh options. The board's next steps include collecting operating and cost information before any change of affiliation or hours is finalized.
