SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 15
(By Senators White, Unger, McCabe, Jenkins, Kessler and Plymale)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the
funding of public libraries in West Virginia.
Whereas, Public libraries are most important to our state,
providing numerous services, including books, computers, reading
programs, literacy programs and meeting places and, in small
communities, the only place people can get high speed internet
service. Libraries are one of the most important services in our
communities, yet underfunded in most communities in West Virginia;
and
Whereas, Compared to other states, West Virginia dramatically
underfunds public libraries. To meet the average of other states,
funding would have to increase approximately from $13 per capita to
the national average of approximately $33.87 per capita in our
local communities; and
Whereas, Funding for public libraries in West Virginia is very
uneven with a range of funding from all sources as low as $5.56 per
capita in Clay County to $36.94 per capita in Kanawha County, the
latter exceeding the national average of per capita funding; and
Whereas, West Virginia must adopt a new formula that better
represents the needs and fiscal capacities of the local communities
that would better distribute state and local funding for public libraries; and
Whereas, Funding for public libraries that addresses sources
from state government, all local government, county commissions,
boards of education and municipalities is necessary in order to
assure the continuation of public libraries. Experience has shown
that in times of financial downturns more citizens visit their
local libraries and decreases in funding do not result in decreases
in the use of these libraries; and
Whereas, Greater funding is needed to allow most public
libraries to at least approach the national average of per capita
funding to support their systems and keep their doors open to the
public; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the funding for public libraries in West
Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2010, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.
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