Budget-Crunched Seattle Libraries Go Dark For The Week

“The city’s entire library system – from its branches to book drops to Web site – is shut down to save money. … All city departments have been told to reduce spending to make up a $43 million gap in Seattle’s 2009 budget. The public library is trying to cut 2 percent, or about $1 million, and the weeklong closure of its downtown central library and 26 branches aims to save $655,000.”