Library supporters question Pacers deal

Dozens of readers stretched out with books on blankets and in lawn chairs on the American Legion Mall across the street from the main branch of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library, reading quietly to themselves to protest proposed budget cuts that could reduce hours and close library branches.

"I am here supporting the libraries of Indianapolis and hoping they don't get closed," said Mindy Grayson as she cracked open a weathered copy of the 1931 classic, The Impatient Virgin.

The city's library system is facing a $7 million budget deficit by 2014 as acknowledged by Mayor Greg Ballard Monday.

"Over the past few months my administration has engaged the library system to prevent branch closings," Ballard said.

Ballard's comment came as he announced a $33.5 million deal to loan operating funds to the Indiana Pacers to keep the NBA team at Conseco Fieldhouse for the next three years.

"We're pumping a huge amount of money in this city into sports and I just think we need to have a better balance," said Gail Fox as she participated in the Read In. "It seems like lately we've put a hgue amount of money into our sports facility and sports team and then when the rubber meets the road, we decide to cut our libraries."

The Library Board meets Thursday night to consider budget cuts. The Capital Improvement Board meets Friday to approve the Pacers deal, which will be financed by budget reductions, increased revenue and a $27 million loan from the state. The city derives no new Conseco Fieldhouse revenue from the agreement.

"We're going to be faced with the problem of how do we repay that $27 million and where do we come up with the money after the three years period expires to continue making subsidies to the Pacers?" asked Advance Indiana blogger Gary Welch.

At Monday's announcement, Pacers CEO Jim Morris was asked if the team would consider making a charitable donation to the libraries in an attempt to offset criticism that the city's subsidy amounted to a bailout.

"Well...sure," said Morris. "You should know that he would not like me saying this but (owner) Herb Simon gave the libraries a million dollars."