The East Lansing Public Library could operate with 5,000 fewer books in the next fiscal year if the City Council approves a budget that slashes funding by $50,000.

The funds necessary to purchase books are at risk to be cut by nearly one third, said Sylvia Marabate, director of the East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbott Road, adding the institution normally purchases about 15,000 books a year.

"We will work hard to meet our community's expectations, but it may mean some have to wait a little longer for the bestsellers," she said. "We are all looking for ways to stay afloat - we all hope there will be an upturn in the economy."

Fred Bauries, an East Lansing resident, said the City Council might consider protecting the library's funds because they know its importance to the community.

"In a community like East Lansing, the library is a cornerstone," he said. "It is a facility this city wants to remain first class."

Despite community concern, some city officials say the library has received money in the past and can sustain cuts during the next year.

"This is one of the areas we can make cuts this year," Assistant Financial Director Connie Larkin said. "It was one of those areas that we had been progressively putting more money into.

"We don't want to do anything to harm it."

Although final budget decisions will not be made until next month, City Councilmember Bill Sharp said this is one item that will receive a fair amount of debate.

"Last year the budget called for a $50,000 cut, and we were able to take that money out of the rainy day fund," he said. "This year, I saw the cut was there, and we are going to try and keep the library as the jewel of East Lansing.

"It is going to be under a lot of discussion."