The State : Libraries May Be Shuttered

Butte County may close its five libraries at the end of the year, including two that are still being paid for, in order to make up a $4-million budget shortfall. A preliminary $110.9-million county budget provides no library funding after Dec. 31, and county supervisors said the libraries will be forced to shut their doors without extra help. Library supporters are holding an Aug. 7 fund-raising party at a Chico mall in hopes of raising $100,000. Supervisors are considering a November ballot measure to increase local taxes and sharing library administration and costs with cities. “A budget that limits libraries and animal control is unacceptable,” said Supervisor Jane Dolan. “There has to be another way to do it. That’s our job.”