JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The James River Valley Library System (JRVLS) board faces some challenges in the year ahead regarding the Stutsman County Library.

In 2021, the Stutsman County Commission moved to reduce the library budget by $60,000. Library Director Joe Rector says with that reduction, they will also lose some state aid in 2023.

Rector says for the 2023 budget planning, they are hoping to restore the $60,000 that was cut in library funding from the county.

He pointed to the inflation that’s affecting everyone and how it affects the library.

More recently, the library board made a motion to close the Stutsman County Library to the public by December 31st, 2022. Rector says this has been tabled, but the discussion may very well come up again.

Bookmobile service would still continue, but Rector says new materials will no longer be available and harm the current service they provide.

Rector pointed out that a reduction in services could also come in the closure of the Stutsman County Library.

More details are expected as budget talks continue for both the City of Jamestown and Stutsman County.

Find more library information at jrvls.org.

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