Fairfax library petition alerts public to cuts

The Friends of Fairfax County Public Library, a nonprofit group largely made up of county library volunteers, has created an online petition to raise awareness about possible deep cuts to the library system's budget next year.

In November, the library announced it would likely lay off 107 full- and part-time employees to help close a $4 million budget gap. Library hours would also be scaled back on Fridays under the proposal prepared by county staffers.

System employees have argued that in the economic downturn, libraries have become a haven for the homeless and jobless and that county officials, in their attempts to avoid closing branches for one day during the week or shuttering entire facilities, have sought deep personnel cuts instead.

However, county officials say closing entire branches would leave some communities at a disadvantage and force staffers to work on weekends and late into the evenings.

As of Friday afternoon, the online petition had about 125 signatures. The goal is 50,000, according to the Web site.

Read on for the text from the petition:

Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) receives 0.09% of the county budget each fiscal year. Out of approximately one million county residents 50% own a library card. In FY 2010 FCPL's budget was cut by 18%. The result? A reduction in the hours of operation, elimination of over 300 part time employees, and a collection with a per capita of $2.71, the lowest in ten years. The County Executive has asked the Library Agency to prepare a 15% Budget Reduction Proposal for FY 2011. A 15% budget reduction will result in an additional 11% reduction in the hours of operation, reduced service on weekends and the elimination of 107 employees. Show your support for public libraries by signing this petition and send a message to your District County Supervisor.