Proposal presented at council budget meeting to close West Biloxi Library

A proposal to close the West Biloxi Library was announced during the Biloxi City Council budget meeting earlier this week.

Ward 1 Biloxi City Councilman George Lawrence suggested the council have a vote to shut down the library as a cost-saving measure due to maintenance issues.

The West Biloxi Library is one of nine branches that falls under the Harrison County Library System and is funded by Harrison County, the cities of Biloxi, Gulfport, D’Iberville, and Pass Christian.

Last year, the West Biloxi Library saw more than 32,000 visits from citizens in the community. Harrison County Library Systems Director Sarah Crisler-Ruskey says this branch is one of the busiest in the county. “It’s very busy with items checking out, it’s on the CTA bus line so people who don’t have cars can get there and it’s also close for folks at Keesler and there are many apartment complexes in the area. it’s convenient for folks who are doing their shopping, there’s a neighborhood Walmart nearby, and so it’s a really important branch for Biloxi citizens.”

Biloxi Mayor Andrew ‘FoFo’ Gilich said, “It’s our library. It’s our building. They operate in the library. If you shut it down, we’re still going to have a maintenance issue. We gotta keep it going unless we sell it. So, I mean, there’s a challenge there.”

Since Tuesday’s meeting Sarah Crisler-Ruskey also says the shutdown is not likely.

News 25 will keep you updated on further developments.