ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Three local libraries that once appeared at risk of closing in St. Charles County will remain open as officials have ended talks to close those branches.

Last month, the St. Charles City-County Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously to indefinitely table a proposal that, if passed, would have led to the imminent closure of three counties libraries: McClay Library in St. Charles, Kisker Library near Weldon Springs, and Deer Run Library in O’Fallon.

Officials previously noted that inflation, changes in patron preferences, and rising costs due to electronic books all contributed to a projected budget shortfall that prompted discussions of closures.

After extensive community feedback, the board opted to “permanently end” discussions around closing the three libraries. The board will shift its focus to securing financial stability and improving community engagement efforts.

The St. Charles City-County Library Board of Trustees released a statement on Friday, which reads, in part…

“Thank you to each of you who have attended meetings, shared library stories, voiced concerns, and offered solutions as we chart a path to the Library’s sustainable future. We have heard from many in our community. Based on the input we have received, the Board voted in June to permanently end our consideration of the initial proposal to close three Library branches.”

“What hasn’t changed is the Board’s commitment to secure the Library’s long-term financial stability and success. The Board continues to gather and consider information as we move through this process. At our work session on Tuesday, the Board requested additional financial information to make decisions about operating expenses like staff pay and to create a more definitive and solid long-term plan for the Library District’s investment in capital projects.”

The board says it plans to design a new survey to collect information intended to help with the long-term financial stability of the library district.