Jefferson Country Library Cooperative Plans for Deep Cuts

The Jefferson County Library Cooperative is scheduled to lose funding of more than $1 million from Jefferson County starting October 1. However, all efforts will be made to save the basic services which include the online catalog. The online catalog allows access to nearly 2 million items located in the 39 public libraries of Jefferson County. Every effort will also be made to continue five day delivery to libraries and internet access.

Each Jefferson County municipal library’s local building, books and operations are funded locally by their cities, up to $30 million in 2008. However, the funding that supports the 31-year-old Library Cooperative links all the libraries. This funding also purchases and maintains databases, and allows all libraries to share materials.

The Library Cooperative, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, will begin accepting donations to try to bridge this gap in funding. Online donations can be made at http://www.jclc.org/ or Facebook, dropped off at any local library designated for JCLC, or mailed to Jefferson County Library Cooperative, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203.