Library cutbacks that will include a shutdown of both branches during a week in August, scattered weekend closures during the summer, and layoffs of two full-time employees were approved by the Library Board during its Wednesday night meeting, according to Mayor Vic De Luca.

The cost-cutting measures were done to cut some $200,000 from the library budget, which had been reduced due to a funding cut by the Township Committee. That cut was one of many made by the TC this winter to help close a $2.7 million budget gap.

"It is across the board," De Luca, who serves as a library board member and attended the meeting said about the library cuts. "I think the library director and board struggled with this. They made the best decisions they could. It was done to balance the services and respecting the emloyees."

Specifcially, the cuts include:

* Layoffs of two full-time employees; a shift for one full-time employee to 80% time; the loss of another full-time employee through attrition who will not be replaced; and the reduction of hours for several hourly employees.

* 10 days of unpaid furloughs for all remaining library employees in August, which will result in the Hilton branch closing for one week; the main branch closing for another week; and both branches closing for a third week.

* The Hilton Branch will close each Friday and the main branch will close each Sunday starting in April, through the end of the year.

* Both branches will close on Saturday and Sunday in July and August.

Library Board President Karen Pettis and Library Director Jane Kennedy did not respond to requests for comment.