'Watered down' library bill requires study only

By Oseye T. Boyd, Star Press

oboyd@muncie.gannett.com

MUNCIE -- A bill calling for consolidation of local libraries into a county-wide system has essentially turned into a bill that would instead require committee to study how to ensure all Hoosiers have access to library service.

Senate Bill 348 has changed dramatically from its original form, a bill based on a recommendation from the Kernan-Shepard Report that Indiana move to 92 library systems -- one for each county. Currently, the bill is awaiting a hearing in the House.