Logan County has three public libraries that are funded through the state and the county, but they need more money.

That was the request Frank Thompson made on Monday before the Logan County Commission.

"I am here on behalf of these jewels of our county, our three community based libraries," Thompson said of the Buffalo Creek Memorial Library, the Logan Area Public Library and the Chapmanville Public Library.

Thompson said the first library he can recall in his life was a little book shelf in elementary school stuffed with books for each student.

"Today, we have three libraries that provide a myriad of services to our population and all of them contain a wealth of information, not just through books, but also including computers with internet services, DVDs and CDs and fax machines," Thompson said. "The libraries also have public meeting rooms for other agencies."

Thompson said as costs go up, services will go down unless the three libraries can receive extra funding.

"We are seeking a budget increase from $5000 each to $20,000 each over a period of three years."

Thompson said if the libraries could get extra funding, it would enable them to provide more services, such as being open later hours for people who work day shift.

"We also need additional help," Thompson said, explaining that without extra funding the services will diminish. Thompson said 75 percent of the Library funding in Logan comes from the Legislature. Thompson said without matching funds to get money from the state, the county library system stood to lose thousands.

"It is critical for us to get these local funds," Thompson said. "Without proper funding, we might have to close our doors. We are asking you to do everything you can to help us."

Art Kirkendoll said the county provided the matching funds in its budget for 2007, including funds for paving at one library.

"In the past, when there was more money available, we gave more," Kirkendoll said. "A library is a community entity. Has the school board been approached about funding?"

"We will be," quipped BOE President Phyllis Adkins, who was also attending the meeting. Adkins noted that Chapmanville donates funds to its library (as does Man) but the city of Logan doesn't.

Kirkendoll said that if the BOE could not come through with the funding the county might be in a position "to rob Peter to pay Paul" to find funds, and warned that with extra county money coming state officials in Charleston might cut off state funding.

"It's going to happen," Kirkendoll said. "It may take two or three years, but it will happen."

Librarian Elizabeth Tackett said Charleston had not cut funding. The increased funding would be for 2010 and 2011.

"I know how the state works. If the county comes up with the money the state will drop its ration," Kirkendoll countered. Kirkendoll said he would look at the numbers and see if extra funding could be found.

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