Williamsburg Regional Library director John Moorman announced today that he is lifting restrictions on the library's budget since state aid to public libraries is likely to be exempted from budget cuts at this time.

Moorman says the library system will move forward to advertise five full-time and one part-time vacant staff positions, which represent approximately 5% of the total library staff. The process to fill these vacant positions was suspended by Moorman on March 2 until Governor Gilmore's proposals to balance the state budget became clearer. At that time there was the anticipation that the governor might cut up to $11.7 million from state aid provided to public libraries through the Library of Virginia. While it is likely state aid to public libraries may not be cut due to the current budget impasse between the Governor and General Assembly, library officials believe there is no likelihood of full funding of state aid in the upcoming fiscal year. Nearly 12% of the total annual budget for the Williamsburg Regional Library system, or $527,210, comes from state aid.

In announcing the decision to lift the budget restrictions Moorman thanked those members of the public who had expressed support for the value of library services in the Commonwealth.

The Williamsburg Regional Library system (WRL) consists of the Williamsburg Library, the James City County Library and the Bookmobile. The WRL service area includes 65,000 people in the City of Williamsburg, James City County and portions of York County.