Dozens of Connecticut librarians rallied at the Capitol building in Hartford Wednesday to oppose nearly $4 million in cuts in Governor Dannel Malloy’s proposed two-year budget.
Librarians say they’re particularly concerned about the elimination of the state’s long-running inter-library loan program.
That program is called Connecticard. Under the program, people can use a local library card to check out books at any of more than 800 libraries in the state.
Scott Hughes is the head librarian at the Bridgeport Public Library. “It has an impact on everyone,” he said. “Through my Bridgeport Public Library card, I have access to every library in the state.”
Devon Puglia is a spokesperson for Governor Dannel Malloy. He said libraries wouldn’t have to eliminate the Connecticard program. They just wouldn’t get state funding for it.
“Libraries can continue the program and accept existing cards using funds that they have. But ultimately we’re trying to build a brighter Connecticut tomorrow by making tough decisions today,” Puglia said.
Listen below to Puglia's remark:
Many local libraries say they don’t have the funds to support the program on their own.
The state currently spends about $1 million a year on the Connecticard program.
WSHU Public Radio contributed to this report.
