Thursday, February 18, 2010

More on Potential BPL Cuts

The Globe follows up on yesterday's story about potential cuts to the BPL system, reporting that one of the proposals being floated would close 10 of the neighborhood branches and reduce staff by 25%. President Amy Ryan said the only alternative would be drastic cuts in services, leaving some branches open only one day per week. The library's budget shortfall for next year is expected to near $3.5 million.

No decisions have been made, but trustees said that criteria for branch closures are being considered. They guaranteed that the process will be open and that final determinations will be made early this spring.

Circulation of BPL materials has risen 31% over the last three years.