It appears that disaster was averted @ the Manitowoc Public Library

Cherilynn Stewart, Manitowoc Public Library Director, sent out this email to local supporters yesterday evening.

We had a great turnout tonight, several Trustees, Friends and others concerned about us, and other city services; Alderman McMeans moved to add extra public comment so the library supporters and others could speak. I pointed out that since we had agreed to the first cut of 10% we couldn't take anymore without closing for some hours. Then, Jenny and Macala from the Teen Advisory Board spoke about they used the Library. It was perfect. Two others spoke...

The veto was sustained. I'm not sure what our final figure will be, because it was unclear if we were talking about the same starting point. But all indications point in the right direction. The council is actually meeting again tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I'm going to walk the dog, and maybe read for pleasure! and go in late.

Many thanks for your supportive words this week.

Thanks to Jeff Dawson for sharing.



Related post:
Red alert @ the Manitowoc Public Library. (12/7/2011)

Red Alert @ the Manitowoc Public Library

If you live in Manitowoc and love and value your public library, please attend a meeting at the City Council Chambers on Thursday, December 8, at 5:00 p.m.


If you live in the Manitowoc Public Library's service area, the Manitowoc Mayor and City Council members should also hear your voices of support.  (I'm not sure of the 2011 amount, but I do know that Manitowoc County provided $523,775 in 2010 toward the operation of the library.  In other words, you have a stake here, too.)


If you know anyone who lives in the Manitowoc area, please encourage them to attend this important meeting and show their support for the Manitowoc Public Library.  (Not sure if there will be an opportunity for individual public comment.)

From Cherilynn Stewart, Manitowoc Public Library Director

The new City of Manitowoc budget calls for $250,000 in cuts to the Manitowoc Public Library, nearly $100,000 more than the 10% reduction proposed by Mayor Nickels. Library management has been working on ways to make the initial $166,553 reduction while maintaining service. The additional cuts make that impossible. Please attend the meeting Thursday, December 8, at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chambers to show your support for the essential services provided by Manitowoc Public Library.


This was proposed and done in less than 5 minutes at the Council meeting on Monday. It was a total surprise to me since Mayor Nickels had just communicated to me on Friday that we were still at our 10% (166K) cut.


Manitowoc City Hall
Council Chambers located on the 1st floor.
900 Quay St.

 (Civil) contact information

LINK

Link to council member contact information.