Area librarians agree that recessionary periods create a greater demand for library services. It is ironic that this comes at a time when libraries are hurting from budget cuts. Arcadia and Monrovia have suffered most in this regard, cutting down on personnel and new book purchases and, in Arcadia's case, closing it's audio-visual department and reducing hours.
Due to a shrinking budget the audio-visual department of the Arcadia Public Library has been closed by the City Council. The Arcadia school system has been offered the films and equipment, worth approximately $100,000. The cuts in the library budget will also mean reduction in personnel and operating hours. These matters are discussed.
A new or improved public library could become a reality in the near future. The current library is bursting at the seams with increasing amounts of books, computer equipment and an increasing number of people using the 28-year-old library.