BRADENTON — Three organizations that support the Manatee County Library joined the statewide “Keep Libraries Funded” coalition this week in sounding the alarm on Amendment 3, a November ballot issue that puts public library funding at risk.
The Library Foundation of Manatee County, the Friends of the Island Library and the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library are working together to inform library users and supporters of the value of their public libraries and the potential dramatic impact on county funding for libraries and other county services if Amendment 3 passes on November 3.
The Florida Policy Institute estimates that Manatee County will lose $212,000,000 in ad valorem tax revenue in the first year if Amendment 3 becomes law, with more in subsequent years. The County instituted a hiring freeze last January in departments supported by the General Fund, including libraries. Consequently, library hours were reduced systemwide on August 1 with the potential of more cuts to come…