SOUTH BEND — Homeowners will get smaller property tax bills starting next year. But that also means local governments will have less money to spend. The St. Joseph County Public Library has to cut $2.4 million by 2010.

St. Joseph County Library board members say layoffs are a last resort.

They're going to start making other cuts within the next few months, and the most noticeable one will be a change in hours.

College student Gracie Eyk usually doesn't have time to browse through the titles.

"I'm usually pretty busy during the week, so I like coming here on weekends," she said.

But reduced property tax revenue is forcing St. Joseph County Library board members to cut millions. Their solution? Close the library on slow days.

"That's the easiest way to cut. You cut out an entire day and that saves us the money we need to save all around," said Donald Napoli, St. Joseph County Library board member.

Starting June 1, libraries will be closed on Saturdays.

"I do enjoy coming to the library on Saturdays, but I do see if we need to make cuts that's not such a bad idea to save money on personnel," said Kathy Gibson who uses the library on Saturdays.

Board members say the revenue lost by the property tax cap of 1 percent for homeowners won't be replaced. So other cuts are needed, including $900,000 in personnel costs. That means vacant jobs will be left open.

"The economy is lousy, so is the sales tax going to help? Frankly, I don't see anymore money in any of the other sources of revenue. In fact, I see a decline, so we are planning it cautious," said Napoli.

And board members are preparing to pass more costs onto library users by possibly raising DVD and CD rental fees.

"I would mind but that wouldn't deter me from renting," said Gibson.

"I think that it's a pretty good deal. It's better than renting from Blockbuster," said Eyk.

Library branches will be closed on Saturdays through August.

The board will re-evaluate the changes before September.

The board's director would not comment on what cuts could be ahead because he didn't want to upset people until things were finalized.