by Diane Smith
Record-Courier Reporter
Libraries in Streetsboro, Randolph and Windham could close if proposed state budget cuts go into effect.
Aurora's branch could further cut its hours, but there are no plans to close.
The board of trustees of the Portage County District Library heard details of the "worst case scenario" proposed by administrators at a special meeting June 25.
An audience of employees of the six libraries in the district gasped as details were announced, mindful that their jobs could be lost.
Director Cecelia Swanson outlined the proposal. Budget cuts could include:
* Closing the three branches. The buildings would be "mothballed," meaning they would be closed but still maintained, allowing them to re-open should economic conditions improve.
* Reduce hours of the remaining branches in Aurora, Brimfield and Garrettsville.
* Lay off/reduce hours for other staffers, including administration. About 35 people would be affected.
* Reduce other expenses such as outreach, technical support and delivery. The materials budget also would be reduced. Already, thousands of dollars worth of orders have been canceled.
The board will meet July 7 at 4:30 p.m. at the administrative offices in Garrettsville to consider implementing possible cuts.
If budget cuts are not as severe as officials fear, expenses -- starting with people -- would be returned, Swanson said.
BOARD MEMBERS also ap-proved a public education campaign to warn residents that branches are in danger of closing.
Libraries already have been coping with a 20 percent drop in funding because of declining state revenues.
Two weeks ago, Gov. Ted Strickland proposed additional cuts in the state's Public Library Fund as part of his plan to fill the $3.2 billion gap in the proposed state budget.
That would mean an additional 30 percent cut for many public libraries. Fiscal Officer Linda Rogers said the two cuts together would result in $619,237 in cuts to PCDL.
Libraries in Ravenna and Kent are independent from the Portage district.
The PCDL is among 70 percent of Ohio libraries which rely almost solely on state support to fund operations.
Swanson said she visited each branch in the library system, and asked employees which branches should be kept if only three could remain.
A common consensus was to keep the Aurora, Garrettsville and Brimfield, which have the highest numbers of patrons.
Board members questioned the rationale of closing some libraries and not others. Some board members incorrectly assumed that Brimfield would be among those cut.
SWANSON SAID Brimfield is larger than Randolph, and the township helps underwrite the cost of leasing its space in the Brimfield Plaza. There also are more computers there for public use.
She added the Aurora branch is larger than Streetsboro, and its location is easier to find.
Board members pointed out the poverty level in Windham is an argument for keeping that branch.
But Swanson said the facility is small and in poor shape, and many patrons from Windham visit Garrettsville, Ravenna and Newton Falls libraries.
"I can make a strong case for keeping every branch we have," she said.
Swanson said administrative staff are discussing possible salary cuts. Gina Maida, who represents the union for employees, said the union plans a meeting to discuss salary cuts in an effort to preserve some jobs.
Board member Todd Puster said the state's proposal is like "sucker punching Grandma. Nobody else is expected to endure a 50 percent cut. It's morally reprehensible and unreasonable."
He noted an option for the PCDL would be to put a levy before voters to help offset the nearly $1 million in revenue lost this year if the budget cuts are approved.
He added he understands how hard it is to ask people for funds in the current economy.
Puster said a list of state officials who patrons can contact is available at the districts Web site -- www.portagecounty.lib.oh.us.
E-mail: dsmith@recordpub.com
Telephone: 330-0296-9657