Regional library cuts jobs

With proposed cuts in state funding, the Northwest Regional Library Board has cut two positions. The loss of the support positions at the regional level could result in reduction and/or disruption of some services at local libraries.

The NWRL operates public libraries in four counties, including the Alleghany County Library, as well as 12 other libraries in Stokes, Surry and Yadkin counties.

With Gov. Mike Easley's proposed budget recommending an 11 percent cut in state aid to libraries, said NWRL Director Mike Sawyer, "We were told by the state librarian to budget ourselves at an 11 percent reduction." He said that represents a $60,000 shortfall.

Therefore, the board voted June 20 to do a reduction in force, eliminating the children's library consultant and the technology coordinator positions.

The exact effect of the loss of the two jobs is not yet clear, Sawyer said. The children's consultant duties could be picked up by area supervisors, he said; that position was created to coordinate efforts among different areas.

"The greater concern is the technology coordinator," he stated. "He's the person that maintains our (computer) server and programs on our server. He maintains the automation process."

Books are now checked out via computer automation.

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