Facing budget cuts, libraries find help on the Internet



Like libraries across the nation, the Oakland Public Library is facing budget cuts that will probably result in layoffs, fewer public hours and a one-third cut next year in its $1.2 million book-buying budget.



So the library staff looked to the Internet for help, putting a list of books they would buy if they could afford them on Amazon.com, the online bookseller.

That put Oakland ahead of a budding trend that has seen more than 300 libraries nationwide post their lists online. These postings have fueled a growing charity movement with donors buying books for libraries across the country.
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