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Residents urge council to preserve Cache County Library funding as budget amendments move forward
Summary
Multiple residents and educators told the Cache County Council the proposed reduction or closure of the county library would create large service gaps and harm literacy; the council approved a budget opening that includes a small extension of library funding while pursuing longer-term solutions.
Several Cache County residents urged the county council on April 13 to preserve funding for the Cache County Library as the council opened the 2026 budget for amendments.
Sarah Brinton (speaker 22) told the council she was concerned that questions remain about where funds currently allocated to the library would be reallocated and noted the library’s annual operating cost is less than 1% of the county budget. “Removing library services has been proven to decrease public safety and could incur more costs,” she said, urging the council to consider extending funding while stakeholders work on long-term solutions.
Callie Ball (speaker 23), a teacher and Utah State University employee, said libraries are critical for child literacy and community learning, and that digital access does not replace physical services for many families. Jamie Gunderson (speaker 6) recounted growing up without books and credited library access for providing opportunities and stability for children: “Because I have the library, I do not do cocaine,” Gunderson said.
Julia Justice (speaker 20) told the council she researched the consequences of discontinuing county library funding and warned it would create “the single largest service gap for library services in the state” unless a robust plan is in place. She asked the council to continue funding until a clearly defined transition plan exists and highlighted literacy and economic benefits.
Council members noted the Appropriations Committee recommended adding $20,000 to the librarian’s amended request so services could be extended through December; the council approved Resolution 2026-10 to open the budget and incorporate recommended amendments. Members repeatedly emphasized the challenges of crafting an equitable countywide solution; several said they favored exploring city-level options and other funding models to preserve service for rural residents.
What’s next: Appropriations and county staff will work with the librarian and city partners to identify an operational model and funding path for the library beyond the short-term extension approved in the budget opening.
