SAINT PETERS, Mo. — Protesters are saying "save the branches" as three St. Charles County libraries face the threat of closure.
St. Charles City-County Library officials proposed closing the Deer Run, Kisker, and McClay branches three weeks ago due to revenue loss and financial struggles.
On Monday, nearly two dozen people protested outside the newly renovated library at the Spencer Road branch in Saint Peters.
TJ Tavares questioned the renovations being made to several library branches.
"I think that's part of the irony, I guess, is we're expanding and rebuilding and remodeling libraries and spending millions of dollars on that. Yet, we're also talking about laying off employees and refusing to give them raises," Tavares said.
Recently, the St Charles County Council and the O'Fallon City Council unanimously passed a resolution that opposes closing the three branches. Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione is presenting a resolution next week at the city's Board of Aldermen meeting to propose the same thing.
"We want to keep these libraries open. There's a lot of history there, and our future needs it; our kids need it. They need the education. They need the option to go into libraries, research, and read some books," said Guccione.
Library officials said 64 positions would be cut if the proposal goes through.
Residents have been vocal for weeks now about their disapproval of closing any of the branches.
"The community is being heard because they delayed the action of closing the libraries. But they haven't announced that that's off the table yet. And so I think our efforts really won't stop until that's announced," Tavares said.
The board has tabled any decision until June 18.
"A lot of ages use the libraries. They have a whole lot of programs. And I really feel like closing the ones that they want to close has been done in the wrong way. Having it close to your neighborhood is very important. Because many seniors can't drive that far," said resident Kathy Merrell.
The libraries could close as early as June 30, depending on the board's decision.
As the Spencer Road branch reopened on Monday, the Middendorf-Kredell branch in O'Fallon has closed for renovations until early 2025.