Grace Doll and her friends from Sheridan Elementary school proved to be affective in protesting the proposed cut of South Branch Library earlier this year.

Friday, Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler announced he will include funding for branch libraries and neighborhood pools in his proposed 2009-2010 city budget.

"These young people and many others like them are the reasons the South Branch and Bethany libraries will remain open" said Beutler during a news conference at South Branch Library.

Ballard, Belmont, Irvingdale and Arnold Heights pools will also receive funding in the mayor's budget.

All were once considered for funding cuts.

Beutler said his proposed budget allots $392,730 to keep the two libraries open and $178,753 for the four pools. The money is coming from new funding sources the mayor said he worked with council members to find.

Doll and a number of other girls showed their support of the mayor's decision, flashing neon signs reading "Thank-You" and "We Love South Branch Library".

Beutler said no one ever wanted the libraries or pools to close, "but we are simply not generating enough revenue growth to keep pace with the increased costs of providing services."

Library Board member Kathy McKillip said it was a hard decision to chose areas where the mayor could trim the budget and they're happy with the mayor's news.

"We're ecstatic. I don't think there is one board member from the libraries board of trustees that wanted to close either Bethany or South," said McKillip."What a great way to celebrate your Independence weekend knowing these opportunities will still be available for the neighborhoods as well as the children that we are in charge of raising."

More details of the mayor's budget proposal will be released Sunday.