Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Sunday, January 6, 2013
(OWENSBURG) - The Greene County Commissioners have learned that a branch of the Bloomfield-Eastern Greene Public Library in Owensburg may be closing.
Nick Schneider, of the Greene County Daily World reports, Library Director Cassandra Thompson told the Commissioners that the library's board of trustees are presently evaluating whether closing the Owensburg Branch located in the Hatfield Museum on Main Street might be a more prudent move financially.
She cited that the current leased building is not compliant with ADA requirements for those with disabilities and on-going maintenance issues are a concern.
There are also concerns about low utilization of the library by patrons who last month checked out about 90 printed materials. That compares with about 200 printed materials at the Little Cincinnati branch library, which also serves patrons in the eastern part of the county.
The library board in this day of budget cuts is trying to decide what to do - move to a new location or close. She did say it was not feasible for the library to purchase a building.
Thompson pointed out that the Owensburg branch library is not cost efficient and she estimates that the cost per patron is about $100, compared to $30 a person for patrons of the Little Cincinnati Branch and $28 a person for the main library in Bloomfield.
Staffing is also an issue with no permanent employee. The library is staffed by a part-time replacement person, she said.
Presently, the library, which is used mostly by youth patrons, is open on Monday and Thursday from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday.
The library director stressed that no decisions have been made. She plans to address the Greene County Council later this month and said a public meeting will be conducted in Owensburg to discuss the possible closing before any action is taken.
Commissioner's president Rick Graves suggested that Thompson should talk with members of the Greene County Redevelopment Commission to see if they might be able to offer some kind of financial assistance to help with the situation.
The Redevelopment Commission meets this coming Tuesday in the Greene County Courthouse at 10 a.m.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.