Clayton News Daily

By Valerie Baldowski

vbaldowski@henryherald.com

The Henry County Library System will close all branch libraries for one week, in an effort to absorb county budget cuts.

Officials said the library system's budget has been cut 5 percent for fiscal year 2009-2010.

The system's board of trustees announced on Friday that all libraries will be closed during the week of May 24-31.

"While libraries throughout the state of Georgia have been shortening hours, or closing branches, the Henry County Library System has endeavored to maintain our current level of service to our patrons," a Henry County Library System Board of Trustees news release stated. "However, we are facing a funding shortfall, due to the economy, and must take measures to balance our budget.

"We have chosen this week for several reasons," continued the statement. "It is our least busy week of the year because it is Memorial Day weekend, the public school year is nearly over and projects are completed. It will not impact the Vacation Reading Program, and most of all, it will allow us to keep all public service staff."

Branch libraries are located in McDonough, Stockbridge, Fairview, Hampton, and Locust Grove.

The statement is also on the Henry County library system's web site, and the furlough dates are listed under the web site's "upcoming closed dates" section.