<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=13wGw7_1DyV1Quy00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=13wGw7_1DyV1Quy00" width="1920" height="1080" ><figcaption>Beaumont libraries face possible cuts to programs and operating hours amid budget crunch</figcaption></figure>Beaumont — Beaumont’s public libraries could see shorter operating hours and changes to key programs as city leaders look for ways to cut spending and bolster the city’s general fund balance.Beaumont City Council is considering reducing library hours as part of next year’s budget discussions. Beaumont Library Administrator Paul Eddy said the amount of time cut could vary depending on what City Manager Kenneth Boone and council members decide.“We could cut ten hours. We could cut 30 hours, we could cut more. Just depending on what Mr. Boone and the council came up with,” Eddy said.One proposal would trim hours at the start and end of the day at some branches. Eddy said three libraries — Willard Miller and John’s among them — are currently open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the city is considering shifting those hours.“We were looking at taking hours at the beginning of the, the day and the end of the day and cutting those. So, like three of our libraries, the Willard Miller and John’s, they're open from 9 to 8 right now. So we would take that probably from like 10 to 7,” Eddy said.City officials estimate reducing 52 hours a month would save about $18,000.Eddy said fewer hours would mean reduced service in neighborhoods, though he said one idea discussed would keep the main library’s normal schedule while reducing hours at the three circulating branches.“It would mean, a little bit of service. Reduction for that area. We tried, and like I say, since everything's kind of fluid, I had expressed maybe leaving this library, the main library, open its normal hours. Then reduce the other three libraries that are circulating libraries, because then we could have one library open, like at 9:00 in the morning,” Eddy said.Another option under consideration is cutting the literacy program, which would save about $130,000. Eddy said council members indicated they want the program to continue.“I think yesterday the council, said that they would like to see literacy continue and they understood the value of it, and so do we. And that's why we truly wanted to, improve and to expand it,” Eddy said.That has led to a third option: retooling the literacy program. Eddy said the focus could shift toward family literacy after years of concentrating on adult literacy services.“I think that we're looking more at family literacy. Over the last several years, we've been focused on adult literacy, GED, ESL, citizenship, all of that,” Eddy said.Eddy said the city could retain one part-time employee to keep the program going and expand it when funding allows. The city’s full-time literacy coordinator position is currently vacant, which is saving about $100,000.</div></body>

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Beaumont — Beaumont’s public libraries could see shorter operating hours and changes to key programs as city leaders look for ways to cut spending and bolster the city’s general fund balance. Beaumont City Council is considering reducing library hours as part of next year’s budget discussions. Beaumont...

Beaumont libraries face possible cuts to programs and operating hours amid budget crunch

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Beaumont — Beaumont’s public libraries could see shorter operating hours and changes to key programs as city leaders look for ways to cut spending and bols

Beaumont libraries face possible cuts to programs and operating hours amid budget crunch

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