MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Baldwin County agreed last week to partially fund the Lake Sinclair Library in Milledgeville for the next six months, according to Twin Lakes Library System Director Stephen Houser.
This comes after service delivery negotiations between the city and county last month.
Houser says in a release that the county cut their funding from over $25,000 per month to around $6,400 per month through the end of December, but their problems aren't over.
If full funding from the county isn't restored by July 31, they will lose state funding and benefits.
If they lose state funding and benefits, Houser says they'll lose access to state grants and the statewide library software (PINES) starting August 1. PINES currently allows the library to check books in or out at all branches.
Without full funding from the county and the loss of state funding, Houser says they would be dipping into emergency reserves, which would run out at the end of October. All three branches would then have to close.
"We urge the restoration of our funding before July 31st, so that we are able to continue to serve the citizens of Milledgeville and Baldwin County," Houser said, in a release.
The library will also continue on a month-to-month lease with their landlord, according to Houser.