Opinion - Letters to the Editor

POSTED: Monday, Nov. 30, 2009

Offers suggestions for library savings

County voters just approved a library tax increase, and now the city library system announces more cuts. In response to a new $75,000 budget reduction, the library plans to cut book delivery to elderly shut-in people at local care facilities. Such a shameful action is an example of the age-old bureaucratic ploy called "dangling the gold watch." When the budget is cut, one singles out service reductions which will be most alarming to the public; the goal is to build up public resistance to further cuts.

For years, county and city officials have ignored suggestions to improve the efficiency of both library systems by consolidating them. Administrative and operating costs could be significantly reduced by combining the systems. Serious consideration should also be given to closing the two branches within Bellingham - anyone who can get to a branch can get to the main library.

In the meantime, how about we save $75,000 by eliminating that assistant director position, and keep delivering books to those who can't get to them?

Dave Evans

Bellingham