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Library supporters tell Dickinson council cuts would harm families, seniors and literacy programs
Summary
Multiple residents and library volunteers told the council that reducing hours and staff at the Dickinson Public Library would harm families, children and seniors who rely on programs, computer access and meeting space.
A long line of library patrons told the Dickinson City Council that proposed budget reductions to the Dickinson Public Library would damage services that local families, seniors and students rely on. A letter read on behalf of Athena Harms said, “Our library is so much more than a place to check out books. It is a gathering place,” and several speakers described programs for toddlers, teens, and adults that have been cut or shortened due to staffing constraints.
Parents, volunteers and program leaders described lost evening programming, fewer story‑times, reduced computer‑lab availability, and shorter hours that make library access harder for working families. “For many families, library programs are one of the few places where children can participate in free or affordable education and recreational activities,” the letter read in part.
Friends‑of‑the‑Library representatives and longtime volunteers urged the council to prioritize grants and community fundraising over cutting core library services. Speakers noted the library’s role in literacy, parent support, and as a cooling center during heat events; several asked staff to make budget line items available for public review and asked how proposed cuts would be implemented. The council did not adopt final library budget changes at the meeting; budget hearings and tax‑rate proposals were scheduled for later consideration.
