Horner honored for helping to turn the page for libraries

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Horner honored for helping to turn the page for libraries

Around Osceola

Wednesday, 18 August 2010 00:00

By Brian McBride
Associate Editor
When Florida’s libraries were in jeopardy of suffering devastating cuts during the 2010 budget process, state Rep. Mike Horner, R-Kissimmee, said: Book ‘em.
Horner was honored Aug. 12 at the Hart Memorial Library in downtown Kissimmee after leading the charge as vice-chairman of the Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Committee in securing $8 million for state libraries. The Osceola County Library System received $185,577 from that fund.
Charlie Parker, executive director of the Tampa Bay Library Consortium, said libraries were in danger of not receiving any funding this year because of a tight budget, but Horner stood up for the book buildings and lobbied for the library funds, which are housed under the appropriations committee. Parker was at the Kissimmee library to praise Horner with a plaque.
“It’s always nice to be recognized, but it’s more important to keep funding our libraries,” Horner said.
Without the grant money, the Osceola County Library System would have taken a hit, Osceola Interim Library Director Jennifer Sargent said. “We would have had to sustain some sort of cuts,” she said.
The state aid to public libraries provides funding critical to local libraries, such as to provide books, children’s programs and Internet access.
“Florida libraries are fortunate to have many friends and supporters in the Legislature,” John Callahan, president of the Florida Library Association, stated in a press release. “By making state aid to libraries a priority, Representative Horner became a real champion for Florida libraries and the Floridians they serve.”
The libraries in Osceola County do more than give a boost to bookworms, Horner said, as he pointed out individuals sitting at the computer terminals in the Kissimmee library.
“It’s important not only for those who love to read, but as an economic engine,” he said. “If you do not have access to a computer, you don’t have access to the job market.”
Through his actions, Horner sent a strong message to his colleagues about the importance of library funding, an association press release said.
“Libraries are such an important pillar in the community,” Horner said.