Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe wants more money put back into the state's public library system. If his proposed increase is approved by legislators, an additional 1.7 million dollars will be dished out among more than 200 libraries across the state. The Texarkana Public Library could see some change with the increase. Texarkana Library Director, Alice Coleman is always glad to hear news of more money headed in her direction. "I am hoping that we will eventually be able to develop branches in the community, I want to increase my internet capability with wireless and I am looking at e-commerce, so credit cards can be used." In 2003, funding was cut to 500,000 dollars. Several libraries closed and many people lost their jobs. In Texarkana, the doors stayed open but patrons could tell the money just wasn't there. The state only provided 10,000 dollars for the system locally. Currently the system receives 57,000 dollars a year from the state and that number will continue to increase if legislation backs Beebe's proposal. Coleman should know by July if and how much money the library could receive. She says money could also be headed into the system from Texas. Proposed legislation is in front of lawmakers dealing with funding for Texas Public Libraries.
