Workers at the state's public libraries will take 15 furlough days a year for the next two fiscal years, closing libraries on those days starting Dec. 16.

Most of the library furlough days this fiscal year will fall on Wednesdays. The furlough days will be more concentrated this fiscal year, which began July 1, because it is nearly half over.

The furloughs are equivalent to about an 8 percent pay cut over the two-year contract.

"Although the timing is unfortunate as the holidays approach, (the state library system) is joining other employees across the state as we work together to meet Hawai'i's huge budget deficit," Richard Burns, the state librarian, said in a statement.

"We are hopeful for a speedy economic recovery throughout Hawai'i."

The state's library system reach- ed the furlough agreement in negotiations with the Hawaii Government Employees Association, which represents clerical and professional staff at libraries.

The HGEA and the Hawaii State Teachers Association agreed to furloughs to help the state reduce labor costs. But a backlash against teacher furloughs has led to talks between Gov. Linda Lingle and the teachers union to restore classroom instruction on furlough days, starting in January.

Two other public-sector unions — the United Public Workers and the University of Hawai'i Professional Assembly — are still in contract talks with the state.

State libraries, like other state agencies, are working through budget cuts as the state deals with a projected $1 billion deficit through June 2011.

Last summer, library officials recommended closing five libraries in mostly rural and Neighbor Island communities or curtailing library hours. Both ideas were rejected by the state Board of Education, which oversees libraries.

Under the furloughs announced yesterday, libraries will be closed on Dec. 16, 24, and 31; Jan. 13 and 27; Feb. 3 and 10; March 5, 12 and 19; April 7, 14 and 21; and May 5 and 19.

Additionally, six libraries that are usually closed on Fridays — 'Aiea, Hawai'i Kai, Kaimukí, Liliha, Mänoa, and Makawao on Maui — will also be closed on March 4, 11 and 18.

"We'll try to provide the best public service that we can in the meantime," said Daniel Roffman, the branch manager at Kaimukí.

The 15 library furlough dates for next fiscal year will be announced later.