Wichita Falls library friends group cuts off water to limit expenses
The Friends of the Wichita Falls Public Library will do without water at the group’s warehouse and store.
President Alan D. Martin said the nonprofit can no longer afford the city’s utilities rates.
Martin said the location at 3124 Seymour Highway incurs a city utility bill of about $160 a month although it often uses less than 100 gallons of water.
He said the group is charged at a commercial rate and does not qualify for the cheaper residential rate.
He posted notice of the change on the group’s Facebook page to let patrons know the restrooms would no longer be available.
The organization formed in 1991 to help the city’s library relocate from its longtime home on Lamar Avenue. The group was first located in the new library at 600 11th St. but had to move because the city needed the space for other purposes.
Martin said the group initially provided financial support to the library and would like to resume doing so if finances improve.
He said the nonprofit is within nine months to a year of having the mortgage paid on its building.
“Our biggest problem is we don’t have sufficient cash flow to cover both the electric bill and the water bill,” Martin said.
The public charity relies totally on volunteers and money it raises through sales at the warehouse and through eBay. It also provides children’s books, magazines and recorded media for free.
The organization accepts donations through Friends of the Wichita Falls Public Library Pay Pal Account.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Wichita Falls library friends group cuts off water to limit expenses
