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By For The Madera Tribune

OAKHURST - Beginning Nov. 2, the Friends of the Oakhurst Branch Library will implement a new program to supplement the library's purchase of books and DVDs.

According to the group, the State of California has cut all Public Library Funds from which such book purchases are made. Madera County reduced the Library Budget by 38 percent for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. The result is a double blow for Oakhurst as further reductions are likely to follow. It may take as long as three years for the county to qualify for PLF.

Friends of the Oakhurst Branch Library will underwrite as much as $1,000 per month for bestsellers, which county librarian Linda Sitterding will purchase, and new DVDs, which Oakhurst branch manager Dale Rushing will buy. These books and DVDs will be rented to patrons for $1 per week.

"I understand that if we want to continue to provide excellent materials, including new books, DVDs, and music on CD, to our patrons, the Rent-a-Book program is the only way for us to do that," said Rushing. "So, I definitely support this program."

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