A precipitous loss of funding coupled with an explosive increase in expenses prompted the Cherokee Regional Library System’s board to take drastic action last week.
The regional library board reluctantly, but unanimously, voted to reduce services in order to balance its financial books.
Chickamauga Public Library Children’s Department library assistant Martha Burrows shelves books.“There is no public service offered to the citizens that uses tax dollars more efficiently,” Donna Street, chairman of the Dade County Library board, said before the vote.
Beginning July 1, all four branches as well as the administrative office will cut staff and hours of operation.
There are two reasons reductions are taking place at a time when the number of patrons using the Chickamauga, LaFayette, Rossville and Trenton branches is constantly on the rise.