Fewer new materials mean long waits for D.C. library customers

Facing a dramatic slash to its book budget, the D.C. Public Library system is anticipating customer waits of up to six weeks for its popular materials if the D.C. Council does not restore funding next year.

At an oversight hearing Wednesday conducted by Councilman Tommy Wells, about 50 library staff and supporters voiced concern about the library’s looming inability to meet residents’ demands for books. The money the library uses to purchase new books and e-resources for its 24 branches was cut by 40 percent from 2011.