FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17th, 2009

CONTACT:
Anthony A. Caldwell
Media Relations, Public Affairs
Phone: 330-651-2042

Canton, Ohio - On Tuesday evening at the Stark County Library District Board Meeting, employees of the Stark County District Library joined with community leaders and elected officials to weigh in on the future of the library system. Facing shortfalls in revenues from the State budget, the Stark County was faced with making difficult decisions that would have the smallest impact on patrons.

"We are grateful to our community for coming out and showing support for our library," said Kathy Whetmore, librarian and SEIU District 1199 Executive Board member. "We look forward to a continued relationship with the Board of Trustees and the Library Administration as we face additional challenges in 2010."

After hearing from various representatives from the community, the Stark County District Library Board of Directors made the decision to only close one branch and layoff up to 10 positions. While staff reductions and closing branches will have an impact on the community, without the Board of Directors making this decision services, programs and staff may have faced additional cuts. An initial proposal to reduce staff by up to 30 positions and close two library branches was not implemented after bargaining unit employees, members of SEIU District 1199, organized with community leaders to work with the library administration and find viable alternatives. This joint effort will continue to be important as the library faces additional challenges in 2010.