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Library leaders warn loss of E‑Rate support would strain county libraries’ internet services
Summary
Library directors told commissioners the federal E‑Rate subsidy that covers much of library internet costs is under review and that losing it would significantly strain small libraries’ operating budgets and public programs.
Presenters told the board that library internet service is central to many programs and that most small libraries rely heavily on the federal E‑Rate subsidy to keep connectivity affordable. "There is a possibility it might go bye bye," said a presenter describing current federal review of the program; she and other directors said E‑Rate currently covers a large share of internet bills for rural libraries and losing that subsidy could require adding recurring internet costs to local operating budgets.
Presenters cited local examples: some towns pay substantially higher access rates than larger towns, and La Crescent’s internet line was noted as costing about $839.76 monthly under current arrangements. The board asked for more specific cost estimates; presenters said they would provide details and that losing E‑Rate support could force programming or hours reductions without new funds.
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