Libraries are essential to a community especially in difficult times. Due to rising costs and job losses, users may have had to cut back on their expenses, such as purchasing books or canceling internet service. To continue to have access to these materials, users turn to their libraries. However, libraries are often the first to suffer cuts in budget reforms. A library can survive a budget crisis by making cuts, raising funds, and building trust and media exposure. The two types of cuts a library can make are visible or invisible. A visible cut affects the operations of a library. It can be felt throughout the community and can help restore the budget or at least prevent further cuts. Public awareness of the financial need for a library could make voters more willing to raise taxes to cover costs as in Warren, Michigan. The city of Warren, Michigan is currently debating whether to hold a special election to raise taxes. The taxes would help prevent the closure of 3 branches of the city library. According to The Detroit News, previous tax increase proposals have been rejected by voters,” Henderstein said library operations have been funded by a tax levy of 0.5 mills since 1957, an amount reduced to 0.4873 mills in under the Headlee Amendment. It generates about $2 million a year. Voters denied a proposed tax increase in 1985. The 20-year tax proposal would bring in about $3.4 million each year would keep branches open and allow for expanded hours, additional programs and materials Now, Henderstein said libraries have managed to get by with minimal funding and with just eight librarians, while experiencing a 33% increase in circulation compared to… ... middle of paper......6519684.prtFerretti, C. (2010, February 1, 3 Warren Library branches may close. 40(3), 8. Retrieved February 3, 2010, from Education; Library and information science.Fitzpatrick, S. (2009). Michigan librarians speak out; Governor Granholm listens. American Libraries, 40(10), 34-35. Retrieved February 3, 2010, from Education; Library and information science. Franz, N. (2010, January 26). Warren considers tax increases for libraries. The Macomb Daily. Retrieved February 7, 2010, from http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2010/01/26/news/srv0000007429822.prtPrice, L. (2009). Ten bizarre suggestions. Public Libraries, 48(5), 19-21. Retrieved February 4, 2010, from Education; Library and information science.