ST. CHARLES, Mo. — A vote is delayed to close three St. Charles County library branches.
The St. Charles County Library Board has postponed the vote on closing the McClay, Deer Run, and Kisker Road branches. This follows significant backlash from people who go to these libraries and have concerns about job cuts.
According to the Post-Dispatch, library officials say it’s to give people more time to weigh in. The Mcclay, Deer Run and Kisker Road library branches are on the chopping block because of budget issues.
A vote on their closures was supposed to happen next week. As well as the elimination of 64 jobs. But that vote has been delayed to allow for a series of public listening sessions.
People in the county sent more than 600 emails and letters urging library officials to reconsider closing these branches. Several city and county governments adopted resolutions opposing the plan, including in St. Charles County and City, O’Fallon, and Wentzville.
The library board initially voted to delay the decision for 30 days to allow for more public feedback after a lot of people said they felt “blindsided” by the proposal.
And then on Thursday, the board decided to delay it even longer.
The St. Charles County Library’s 24 million-dollar budget takes effect July 1.
But library officials say that can be amended as the board decides on potential closures and consolidations. They also emphasize that they can’t put this off for too long.
Listening sessions for library staff and people in the community are tentatively planned for next month at each branch. Online surveys will also be available.
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