Funding for public libraries is once again on the agenda for the Grayson County Commissioners Court. For the 2006-2007 budget, the Whitewright Public Library has requested $1,997, which is a continuation of the current amount.

 

According to 2004 statistics submitted to the Texas State Library (the most recent year finalized), the City of Whitewright provided 81% of our funding, which is primarily for salaries and utilities. Income generated by the library (fines, donations, fund raisers, etc.) accounted for 15%. The State Library provided 3%, while funding from Grayson County made up 2% of the total income.

 

While it is a relatively small portion of our income, every dollar is vital to the library's continued operation. Some of our elected officials have stated libraries are strictly a city issue, meaning anyone who lives in the county but outside of any city limits would not receive library services. In Whitewright's case, 40% of our patrons are city residents, while 36% live outside the city limits in Grayson County.

 

The Commissioners' Court has scheduled a budget hearings regarding library funding on Monday, June 26^th at 1:30 p.m. Citizens are welcome to attend to show their support, but even if you are unable to attend in person, please call County Judge Tim McGraw at 903-813-4228, and David Whitlock, County Commissioner, Precinct 2, 903-813-4325. You may send them a letter at this address: 100 W. Houston, Sherman, TX 75090.

 

For more information, please call the library at 903-364-2955 or email wwpl@texoma.net.