Connecticut public libraries saved $7.1 million last year thanks to their membership in the Connecticut Library Consortium (CLC), a nonprofit organization that relies on state funding for roughly 60 percent of its operating budget. The state provides $332,500 to the CLC, less than 10 cents for each person who lives in Connecticut.

Gov. Malloy’s proposed budget eliminates that grant, as well as funding for other services important to library users including the ability to use their local library card at any other public library in the state. As a taxpayer I deplore the use of tax dollars for inefficient and/or wasteful purposes. The programs at stake that support public libraries, however, whose funding accounts for a miniscule portion of the state budget at a combined total of a little over $1.5 million, represent the antithesis of wasteful government spending. They help sustain a de facto regional library system that provides an outstanding level of service that would not otherwise be possible.

I urge all those who love their library to contact your state representatives and ask that these draconian cuts to library services be rescinded from the governor's proposed budget.

Richard Conroy

Essex

Editor’s note: Mr. Conroy is director of the Essex Library.