Jonesboro-based library to lose 13 employees after funding slashed

[LiberalArkie]

BY Debra Hale-Shelton ON November 22, 20232:17 pm


The war on libraries is real.

The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library will soon lose 13 employees because of major funding cuts voters approved last year, the library director confirmed today. Library officials also expect to close one or more branches.

Director Vanessa Adams said the library system gave notice in the past two days to the two full-time and 11 part-time workers affected. “It is horrible,” she said. “We lost half of our budget.”

The cuts will take effect Dec. 23, she said.

Snip

https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/11/22/jonesboro-based-library-to-lose-13-employees-after-funding-slashed

[DBoon]

1. the reason behind this

In November 2022, Craighead County residents voted to defund the library by cutting its millage from 2 mills to 1 mill. Organizers behind the measure, which was added at the 11th hour to the ballot, were galvanized by a gay pride display at the library in January 2021.

[70sEraVet]

2. Arkansas is the second to the least educated state.

Apparently, they are striving for first place.

https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/education/these-are-the-most-and-least-educated-states-census/

[LiberalArkie]

3. It surprised me.. It seems we do good, but after high school they naturally go some where else for education and

and opportunities.

#50. Arkansas
Highest level of education completed:
– Less than 9th grade: 4.6%
– 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 7.7%
– High school graduate (includes equivalency): 34.1%
– Some college, no degree: 21.7%
– Associate’s degree: 7.7%
– Bachelor’s degree: 15.5%
– Graduate or professional degree: 8.8%


#1. Washington D.C.
Highest level of education completed:
– Less than 9th grade: 3.2%
– 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: 4.5%
– High school graduate (includes equivalency): 15.5%
– Some college, no degree: 12.4%
– Associate’s degree: 3.0%
– Bachelor’s degree: 25.5%
– Graduate or professional degree: 35.9%

[coprolite]

4. ...and a Merry Christmas too

The cuts will take effect Dec. 23, she said.