GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga.,None — Gwinnett County libraries may have to reduce hours or even days of operation again because of budget cuts. Some are saying ads may be a way to keep branches open.
"The Internet is paid for, by and large, through ads. Libraries are in the information business. Why don't we sell ads as well?" said Phillip Saxton, chairman of the Gwinnett County Library Board.
Saxton said that's one of several options he's proposing to make the library system less dependent on tax dollars, which are dwindling.
"Our budget was cut $2.8 million, or 15 percent," said Saxton. "That's a large cut."
He's also pushing for donations or even change from late fees, as well as an endowment fund. But the ads, he said, could help both the libraries and local businesses.
"We could pass out coupons. We can put advertising bookmarks in our books," he said. "When you consider that we have 3.4 million visitors a year, that's a good way to deliver an advertising message."
The board must vote before the plan goes into effect, but Saxton said there is already interest. Another current program gives the library system a payment from any Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble sales that originate from the library's website.
Some library users at the Hamilton Mill branch in Buford said they would favor any plan to help keep the branches open.
"I think if they close a couple of days, that would create a problem," library proponent Pauline Palmer told Channel 2's Manuel Bojorquez.
On a trip to return some books, 8-year-old Hailey Sullivan agreed.
"I want the library to stay open for the full time that it already is," she said.
WSBTV
