Georgia Public Library Service statement regarding state funding for Twin Lakes Library System

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July 1, 2019

CONTACT:
Deborah Hakes, Georgia Public Library Service, dhakes@georgialibraries.org

ATLANTA…As a result of the Baldwin County design to cut funding for the Twin Lakes Library System by 90 percent, Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) and its parent organization, the University System of Georgia, must withhold state grants for the Twin Lakes Library System (TLLS) effective July 2019. 

State funds will not become available to TLLS until the funding obligations of Baldwin County and the city of Milledgeville are met. This includes the state formula grant for salaries, system services, and materials, as well as the technology funds grant and major repair and renovation funds.

State grants to public libraries are contingent upon sustained local funding. Public library funding is primarily a local governmental responsibility, with state funds granted to enhance services and programs. The state cannot supplement any library system that is not adequately supported by its local taxing authorities.

Additionally, benefits provided by the state of Georgia on behalf of the library system will no longer be available to TLLS.  This includes participation in the PINES system, which provides the online library catalog, circulation system, and acquisitions/cataloging functions.  ISP Reimbursements for internet service will not be paid. GALILEO databases, daily courier service, OCLC cataloging and interlibrary loan access, the new children’s digital library access, the hosting of the library system’s website, and the array of partnership pass programs will also be unavailable.

GPLS and the state of Georgia sincerely hope that local officials will honor their commitment to the citizens of Milledgeville and Baldwin County by fully funding the Twin Lakes Library System in accordance with the Maintenance of Effort (MOE) requirement. Read more about the funding situation here

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Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians by encouraging reading, literacy, and education through the continuing support and improvement of our public libraries. GPLS is a unit of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. www.georgialibraries.org #georgialibraries

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