Budget Cuts Bite

Another story on budget cuts, this time in Macon County NC; (scroll halfway down…)

Fontana Regional Library made a request from the town’s non-profit funding pool in the amount of $12,000 for the library system’s Reading Rover Bookmobile service. Since 1999, the Reading Rover Bookmobile has developed pre-literacy skills by bringing monthly story time programs and materials to toddlers and preschoolers at child care locations.

Librarian Karen Wallace said this is the first time funds have been requested from the town specifically for the Reading Rover. The program costs around $475 per day to run 200 days per year. Historically, the program has been funded through grants which have disappeared, she said.

Alderman Bob Scott said that reading is very important and the future of Franklin is the children. “I think it is an excellent program,” he said of the Reading Rover, adding that many countries in war have little educational opportunities for their young people. Scott asked if the Reading Rover could take the place of ice cream trucks and cruise the neighborhoods during the summer months, offering reading materials to the youth of Franklin.

Do you think the Reading Rover could replace the tempting melody of the ice cream truck? Interesting idea…not sure it’s plausible.