Augusta’s seven-library system is raising alarms that a 10% budget cut could shutter branches, slash hours and eliminate about 20 part-time positions.
The Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System is one of nine outside agencies targeted for mandatory 10% reductions in Administrator Tameka Allen’s proposed 2026 budget.
With Augusta’s pandemic relief funds about to expire, the city faces a $21 million budget shortfall in the new year, according to Allen. To fill the void, she’s recommending the 10% agency cuts, across-the-board 3% department cuts, a property tax increase and much more.
Cuts spur drastic steps
A 10% reduction for the library system amounts to $288,590, and lowers funding below 2022 levels to $2.6 million.
System Director Emanuel Sinclair Mitchell is asking community members to tell the Augusta Commission not to cut the library’s budget. He said losing the funds will require the system to implement the following cost-saving measures:
- Reduced operating hours systemwide
- Elimination of all part-time positions
- Closure of one to two branch libraries
- Significant reductions in programs and community services
The reductions will have a “far-reaching impact” on Augusta citizens, particularly students, job seekers, seniors and families who depend on library resources for education, access to technology and community engagement, Mitchell said in a statement.
“Libraries are more than just buildings with books. They are vital community centers that connect people to information, opportunity and each other,” he said. “The proposed cut will severely limit our ability to meet the needs of our residents and continue the programs that enrich lives every day.”
State helps, but city keeps lights on
At a recent Augusta Commission meeting, Mitchell tried to clear up a popular misconception that the Augusta library system and others like it are state organizations. The system does benefit from Georgia Public Library System funds but ultimately relies on Augusta’s general fund for 83% of operations.
Generally based on population, the Augusta system’s state funding amounts to $577,312 for this year, he said.
That includes one state-funded library position for every 75,000 residents, giving Augusta three. The system receives 70 cents per capita for materials such as books and subscription materials and received about $60,000 for technology services such as internet. State grant funds also are paying 90% of ongoing renovations at the Appleby Library and a new roof at the headquarters library, he said.
Other funds could dry up
The system also raises about $70,000 annually through facility rentals, fees and fines, he said.
GPLS distributed $42 million in grants among 60 library systems last year, but libraries statewide may see other funding reductions in the current climate.
President Trump signed an executive order earlier this year attempting to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services. IMLS provides Georgia libraries about $5 million used to fund shared services such as GALILEO and PINES.
Tough decisions ahead
Mitchell drew similarities between his staff and those in city departments or serving under elected officials, which aren’t being asked to cut as much from their budgets. The library system employs about 62, 40 of whom are full-time, he said.
Library personnel are governed by Augusta’s personnel policies and Augusta processes the library’s payroll. But library staff also get to use the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia pension plan, which Mitchell said creates cost savings for the library system, and employees don’t use city health insurance.
With plans to adopt next year’s budget by the end of the month, the Augusta Commission is likely to talk more about it at its regular meeting Tuesday. The commission has budget work sessions scheduled for Thursday and Nov. 13.
