PUBLIC LIBRARIES FACE FUNDING CUTS

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, February 20, 1992                   TAG: 9202200578
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short
PUBLIC LIBRARIES FACE FUNDING CUTS
MANY PEOPLE in the Roanoke area are not aware of the threat to drastically cut funding for public-library services, making it necessary to cut down on both workers and up-to-date books. This is a great threat to quality education, because libraries provide unbiased public information, free from political and advertising brainwashing.
Libraries also provide opportunities for those unable to continue their education because of lack of time and money. Libraries, unlike so many public services, help people help themselves and are therefore one of the most worthwhile investments.
Unfortunately, libraries aren't popular with big political-campaign contributors. They provide little or no opportunity to receive indirect financial kickbacks or benefits so often wanted by major political campaign contributors, who too often see campaign money as an investment rather than as a public service.
The money is there. All they need to do is switch some from the gambling fund. With that fund, too frequently the public pays the bills and takes the risks, and any profits benefit industry and maybe some political-campaign contributors, but not the public.
House Bill 856 would restore funding to public libraries. If enough legislators get the word from the voters, the libraries might get some of their funding back. If people would like to write but don't know the name of their representatives, just contact any local library. RUTH IRMER THAXTON

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB