Axing state aid to public libraries could cost the state $8 million in federal funds.

Budget negotiators swept all of the $13 million in state aid to public libraries late this week, raising alarms among librarians and county officials.

Florida could lose $8 million in federal aid for libraries if it doesn’t spend the $21 million it spent last year. Currently, the budget includes $8 million in library funding but that would go to the Department of State instead of local governments.

Under the current proposal, Palm Beach County libraries would lose about $1 million this year and other local libraries in the county would be out another $400,000, according to Todd Bonlarron, PBC legislative affairs director.

The cut would result in layoffs and fewer books and other materials, Bonlarron said.

“In these difficult economic times, our residents are turning even more to our libraries to assist in job searches, in looking for means of financial assistance, and in researching opportunities for personal growth and development. If there ever was a time to assist our state’s libraries, it would be now,” he said.

Lawmakers are trying to find a way to restore some of the funding, Senate budget chief J.D. Alexander said this morning during budget negotiations with the House.

“It’s one of those issues we’re working through and trying to figure out how it can be done,” Alexander, R-Lake Wales, said.

Gov. Charlie Crist dropped by to check on the talks.

“Well libraries are a great thing. I’m sympathetic to it and want to make sure that we do everything we can to maintain them. It’s important,” Crist said.

Tags: Charlie Crist, state agencies, state budget, State House, State Senate

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