Cuts could be coming to Georgia libraries if funding doesn’t increase

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Gwinnett County is facing challenges that could affect its local libraries.

Channel 2′s Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Tony Thomas spoke with those who utilize the libraries and would be most affected.

Inonge Besa is studying for her MBA and said she comes to the library for peace and quiet.

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“If it’s closed, it will be difficult to continue,” she told Channel 2.

Besa is one of many who could be impacted if the dire warnings of library system Executive Director Charles Pace become reality.

Without an increased budget from the county, Pace says layoffs’ and cutbacks will come early next year.

“It could be a significant number of staff reductions, whether voluntary or involuntary, and reduced hours,” Pace said. “Probably have to close one or two days a week.”

Learning labs like this one would be impacted, too.

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Pace says the lack of funding has compounded for years but spiked last year when the system went ahead and gave lower paid employees — many making less than $15 an hour — pay raises.

“Well, first we thought it was the right thing to do. “Sometimes you’ve got to take a stand, no matter what,” Pace said. “And secondly, the impact of inflation is just draining us away.”

“We are a large county, and there are a lot of needs in our community,” county Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson said.

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Hendrickson and other commissioners will start listening to requests for next year this fall.

She politely says, basically, “Get in line.”

“It’s about how we can maximize the resources we do provide to the library and minimize any duplication,” she said.

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