If you love books and live in and around Coral Springs, now would be a good time to support the only library in the city.

The Northwest Regional Library has had its hours and number of staff reduced following the budget cuts, Mimi Hershenson, Regional Library manager said. “Prior to August this year, we were open 70 hours a week. That has been cut back to 58. We have lost positions too. Five positions that fell vacant last year were eliminated this year. Four of our staff members were reassigned to other libraries.”

While many of the other libraries in the county get adequate support from their respective Friends of the Library group, the Friends in Coral Springs could do with a bit of help themselves.

The Friends of the Coral Springs Libraries has only about 40 active volunteers, president Mary Riley said. “Most of the other libraries have many more. A lot of our members have died or either grown old. We need more support from the community.”

Libraries in the county are counting a lot on the Friends in the current economic climate, Friends vice president Brad Roth said. “We fund a lot of programs. The number of active volunteers that we have has begun to drop. We would also like to have younger members who are willing to spend time for the library.”

To know more about the library or to become a member of the Friends of the Coral Springs Libraries, call 954-341-3900.