Cuts coming to Baltimore libraries
Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon's proposed 2009-2010 budget, which was released today, calls for cuts in jobs and services, including closing most libraries one day a week. The library shutdowns are part of a budget that also would close some swimming pools and community centers, and lay off as many as 153 workers.
Under the plan, all city libraries except the Central and Southeast Anchor branches will be closed on either Mondays or Fridays. The spending plan calls for some of the most austere cuts in recent memory to fill a $65 million hole in the $2 billion budget. The City Council must still approve the plan for the budget year that begins July 1.
It's a shame libraries have to be closed wholesale, but I'm glad at least two will stay open every day. I don't like to think of a library-less city, even for a day. One option is for city residents to use nearby Baltimore County libraries, since cards are interchangeable. But that's just shifting the burden and cost to the county.
If you have an opinion about the budget, e-mail Dixon at mayor@baltimorecity.gov or find contact information for City Council members here.
Comments
C'mon! The branch nearest me is already only open from noon - 5. (I don't know about Saturdays, I can't find a parking spot on Saturdays.) I'm thankful that Baltimore County let me keep my card when I moved inside the city line!
Posted by: Eve | March 18, 2009 2:04 PM
We've had library budget cuts here in Westchester county, New York, where I live. The hours may be reduced, but circulation of books, tapes, DVDs, etc. is way up. Computer use, too, is on the upswing, as library patrons search for jobs. I think of librarians as true heroes in these hard economic times. We give them FEWER resources, but they respond by providing us with even MORE service. Bravo!
Posted by: Gail Farrelly | March 18, 2009 2:38 PM
Hey, don't pay any attention to me. I'm just measuring the room to see if my office furniture will fit in here.
Posted by: Bucky | March 18, 2009 3:00 PM
Bucky, there's always room for a classy guy like you!
Posted by: Laura Lee | March 18, 2009 5:18 PM
Please wipe the sand off your feet before settling in here. Thank you.
The Management
Posted by: Dave | March 18, 2009 5:24 PM
wipe the sand off your feet before settling in here
Rules? There are rules?
Does the room have a catchy nickname? Are you judgemental about the use of discretionary punctuation? Is there a big screen television, so I don't miss Idol, Survivor and The Amazing Race? Do you ever play polka music?
This could be the only blog...well, you know. Shhhhhhhhhhhh. Let's keep that last comment 'tween (Charm City Moms reference) ourselves.
Oh. Hi Laura Lee. Whatcha doin'?
Posted by: Bucky | March 18, 2009 6:15 PM
Do y'all have cheese here?
(Just got a webserver too busy when I tried to post this. Business must be good.)
Posted by: Eve | March 19, 2009 10:57 AM
This is sort of off-topic, but I did get the book from the Baltimore County Library, so maybe we could fudge this:
I believe that it was on this blog that I heard about The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. After waiting for (what seemed like) ever for the library to notify me that it was my turn for it, I read this in about 3 days. (Would have been quicker but this blasted job gets in the way of my important stuff.) It was absolutely wonderful. I want to thank you for the recommendation and encourage everyone else to read it.
(I wouldn't call it Chick Lit, although it's written in letters-back-and-forth format.)
Posted by: Eve | March 19, 2009 11:54 AM
The cards are interchangeable ONLY if you cross-register them by producing photo I.D. and proof of current address.
But you're more than welcome in the county libraries, even if you're not a county resident.
Posted by: Paula | March 20, 2009 8:37 PM