Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has decided to close Chicago branch libraries for the entire day on Mondays as the way to implement his 2012 budget cuts. His original plan was to cut $11 million from the Chicago library system budget, layoff 363 library employees, and close libraries for eight hours a week. After massive public outcry and protest, Emanuel relented and decided to cut $8 million and layoff 176 instead. The reduced 2012 Chicago public library cuts were passed unanimously by city aldermen in November of last year. [Read more…]
Four Detroit Public Libraries closing permanently today
It looks like nothing was able to stop the Detroit Public Library from closing four branch libraries today. The Monteith, Richard, Lincoln, and Mark Twain locations were all shut down today. [Read more…]
State funding for California public libraries entirely cut
Automatic budget cuts were triggered today that resulted in completely cutting off all state funding for California public libraries.
Earlier this year, Governor Jerry Brown signed a budget that cut state funding for libraries in California in half from the previous year. He originally proposed to get rid of all state funding for libraries but agreed to keeping half after the California Library Association got involved. [Read more…]
Seattle Public Library asks for a property tax increase
The Seattle Public Library (SPL) is asking the Seattle City Council to a put a property tax increase specifically for libraries on the August primary ballot next year.
The library believes that Seattle residents value their libraries highly and is hoping that they will vote in favor of higher property taxes to guarantee stable funding for them. [Read more…]
Detroit Public Library to close four branch libraries
The Detroit Public Library (DPL) Commission approved the closure of four branch libraries during their meeting on Tuesday. The locations being closed are the Lincoln, Mark Twain, Monteith, and Richard libraries. They will all be closed on 12/22/11. [Read more…]