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Residents urge council not to cut Van Alstyne Public Library hours amid budget talks
Summary
Two public commenters — a retired librarian and a library patron — told the council that proposed reductions to library hours would reduce access to literacy, technology and community services and urged council to seek alternatives before cutting hours.
During public testimony, Rebecca Hoganson, a retired librarian from Howe, and Brandy Shaner, a local resident, urged the council to protect Van Alstyne Public Library services and operating hours as the city considers budget reductions.
Hoganson described the library's "Shoots and Sprouts Society" gardening program and said it draws participants from across Grayson County and supports downtown businesses. "Our garden club is called the Shoots and Sprouts Society ... it's open to all ages," Hoganson said, adding that similar groups have spun up in nearby libraries modeled on Van Alstyne's program.
Shaner urged the council not to make library access the "first sacrifice" in budget balancing, warning that reduced hours would limit early‑childhood story times, technology access and community gatherings. "If reductions truly must be considered, I plea[k] to the council to exhaust every alternative before cutting public access to the library," Shaner said. Councilmembers noted a budget workshop scheduled for the next day where budget details would be discussed.
