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JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The future of libraries service to communities is changing.

The James River Valley Library System (JRVLS) has been working to meet these changes and demands, but have added other big decisions surrounding funding and possible closure of the Stutsman County Library (SCL).

Director Joe Rector says they have been reeling from the 2021 decision to cut $60,000 from their budget by the Stutsman County Commission. For the 2022 budget, they’re asking to have that money put back in place.

Rector says because of the cut, some of the financial burden for services has shifted toward the city taxpayers, The JRVLS board has also cut some spending on services for the SCL including new materials.

Earlier this summer, the board made a motion and tabled a decision to close the Stutsman County Library by December 31, 2022. Rector says this could be brought up again.

Rector points out that if SCL closes, the biggest problem they face is the possible lack of funding for books and other materials to go out on the bookmobile.

Another item facing the board is Stutsman County and the city of Jamestown splitting up the current operating agreement. Rector says the agreement doesn’t specify how much money the County should contribute to the joint library system.

As the demand changes for libraries, Rector explains that space has become a big need. He says at this time, the JRVLS is short of space for people, technology, and materials.

For more information, visit jrvls.org.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Joe Rector below: