Information has now been posted online about the bill that would require counties to study the possible consolidation of libraries.

S.B. 348, authored by Sen. Beverly Gard, R-Greenfield, would establish a planning committee in each county to prepare a library services plan. Each committee would be required to implement one of the following models for libraries in their counties: A consolidated countywide library sytem, a consolidated system of two or more counties, two or more independently governed library systems in the county, or two other options dealing with a multiple county alliance or federation of independently governed library systems.

The Indiana State Library would help the counties prepare and implement the plans. The committees would be required to conduct public hearings on their plans,  and the plans would have to be submitted to the State Library  by July, 2010. If a committee would fail to adopt a plan, the state would adopt one for the county. The State Library would also have to give its approval to each plan before it is implemented.

The bill, which was discussed at last week’s meeting of the westchester Public Library Board, has been referred to the Senate Committee on Local Government. As of this morning, no date had been posted as to when the bill will be heard in committee.

The information about the bill is available at www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2009/IN/IN0348.1.html

Posted 1/12/2009