An official with the Perry County Library System says they're making the hardest decision they've ever had to make.

Melissa Marolt the youth services coordinator says the library Board of Trustees will close the Shawnee Branch, June 8th in order to cut costs.

The library is working with the Southern Local School District and the Village of Shawnee to minimize the effects of the closure.

Shawnee residents will now have to use the Corning branch or New Lexington branch for their library needs.

The library system will also lay off eight part time staff members and cut administrative staff salaries by 3%.

Sick leave will be reduced by 50% and work hours cut to remaining staff.

Patrons of the library system can also expect to see reduced hours at all branches.

The District Library in New Lexington will close the week of the Perry County Fair, the week of Thanksgiving and the week of Christmas.

The library system is operation at an over 16% decrease in funding this year.