Poetry News

Louisiana State Libraries Lose Funding

By Harriet Staff

Here’s some troubling news, via the Los Angeles Times:

Citing budget concerns, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has signed a $25-billion budget that eliminates almost $900,000 in state funding for its libraries. In a statement, the governor’s chief budget aide, Paul Rainwater, said, “In tight budget times, we prioritized funding for healthcare and education. Operations such as local libraries can be supported with local, not state dollars.”

On Thursday, Library Journal took a look at that assertion. What they found was that while some local parishes may be able to cover the funding gap, others will feel the loss. Rural parishes will face a particularly daunting challenge.

For more, including a response from a Louisiana librarian, make the jump.

Posted in Poetry News on Monday, July 2nd, 2012 by Harriet Staff.