After all the petitioning, the Galt Ocean Mile Library might remain open — or it might close.

Patrons of the Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center were shocked in April when Broward County commissioners considered closing the library along with seven other branches in a plan that would cut up to $160 million from next year’s budget.

Herman Gardner, president of the Galt Ocean Mile wing of the Friends of Broward County Libraries, said many library regulars were hurt and angry at the news. The library is a community center as well as a source of books, Internet access and a wide-ranging film collection.

Recently, the county agreed to renew its lease for the Galt library for another five years, although commissioners can still opt to close the branch before September.

"[Commissioners] gave themselves an escape clause," Gardner said.

Last Saturday, the Galt Mile’s Friends of the Library met with the Galt Ocean Mile Community Association to keep the fight going. The new five-year lease will cost taxpayers $70,854 a year, and can be canceled with six months’ notice if the library is closed.

“Let [the commissioners] play the game out,” said Galt resident Terry Claire. “If we stay firm, they will know what voting against the library will cost them.”