Budget Cuts Force Harford Library Layoffs

"It might not be a prime location, but it is in the middle of three schools that would be left without a nearby library," said Sam Smith, a Fallston father of three who is usually at the library once a week. "You are talking about several thousand kids who use the library weekly, both for the books and as a community meeting place."

The board has postponed its decision until 6:30 p.m. this Thursday and will accept further public comment at a yet-to-be-determined location in Fallston.

"Nobody wants to close a library," Caplan said. "We understand that the economy is bad, revenues are down and budgets are tighter. We are all trying to respond in the most conscientious way we can and continue serving the county."

Craig submitted a $577 million operating budget - the leanest in years. Every department's operation was cut by 7 percent. The County Council, which has ultimate funding authority, slashed another 5 percent from nearly every department. Most agencies could not balance their operating costs without reductions in personnel and services.

Council President Billy Boniface said members were forced to make cuts in the fairest way possible. "The library still has about $16 million to operate with," he said. "If we don't make these cuts now, we will be in dire straits later."