A new chapter is being written for the Bethlehem Area Public Library. And the name of that chapter is "cutting back." 





  
>>The fallout from the great budget impasse begins. The Bethlehem Area public library's budget was slashed by nearly $200,000, which left staff with some very tough choices. 

>> FRICKER The legislators where stuck with a terrible budget that they had to spread very thinly. 

>> REPORTER: And that means 25% less funding than last year for the Bethlehem Public library system. 

>> Rather than laying anyone off we decided the best way to go was to cut everyone's hours back. 

>> REPORTER: Which means cutting back library hours. The main branch on Church Street will no longer be opened on Thursday nights and all workers will be furloughed during the week of Musikfest. 

>> That's not a big problem. I don't see that as a real issue. 

>> It's a very popular time and we do a lot with summer reading. We'll still go ahead with summer reading but we'll work around that week. 

>> REPORTER: While book shops and other places that offer wi-fi may have taken the place of libraries for some... 

>> you have spend however much for a coffee at a coffee shop. 

>> REPORTER: And you have to have your own computer. Which is why some say tough times are not the time to cut back on the people who need it most. 

>> I think they should cut other places. 

>> Next time when we ask you to contact your legislators please do it. Or do it more passionately than last time. 

>> REPORTER: Bethlehem public library is not laying anyone off and that they say they're very proud of. The silver lining is that it could be worse.. Allentown had to close their southside branch completely...and Bucks County library's laid off 20 people and closed several branches a few days a week.

( Video won't play? CLICK HERE for some helpful suggestions )

---

e-mail story | print view | rss feeds | wireless | google desktop | podcast