Updated: Boston Public Library Board Agrees To Close Four Branches

Other scenarios included seven branch closures, or no closures but service cuts

Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 04/07/2010

• Scenarios summarized
• Bump of one percent in city funding
• Decision now goes to Mayor

Updated April 9: The Boston Public Library Board of Trustees has endorsed the plan to close four branches. Updated April 12: Sam Allis, columnist for the Boston Globe, thinks private donations could save the branches.

Boston Public Library (BPL) President Amy Ryan has recommended a middle road among three scenarios for closures and cuts, suggesting that four of 26 branches be closed. The other scenarios include the closure of seven branches and the maintenance of all branches, but with many fewer hours.

“The Boston Public Library needs to save money, stabilize, and begin to move forward,” Ryan told the board, which will meet Friday, April 9, to approve the budget. “Keeping 22 branches open is the most prudent option. It preserves as many branches as possible, permits us to fill critical vacancies, and allows us to explore partnerships.” 

Branch impacts
A BPL document summarizes the scenarios. Under each scenario, 23-25 positions would be eliminated at the branches, plus 28-31 positions in administrative and systemwide support, and 35-38 positions at the Central Library in Copley Square.

However, the document suggests different impacts on service. With all branches left open, overall hours would be cut 470 hours per week at 18 paired branches. Short staffing would be continued, and staff in paired branches could work at up to three different locations. There would be inconsistent homework assistance and reduced programming.

With four branches closed, the library would cut weekly hours overall by 175 but offer more consistent homework and summer reading activities, as well as service improvements. BPL would explore potential partnerships with community organizations.

With seven branches closed, 85 evening and Saturday hours would be added at remaining locations, but overall service would be 225 fewer hours per week. Some 14 positions would be redeployed to expand and transform library service, such as outreach, literacy partnerships, book club activities, and deposit collections of books in the community.

The document does not, however, detail the impact of increased distance to branches under the closure scenarios.

Past warnings
In February, BPL talked about closing ten branches in response to the projected FY11 shortfall of $3.6 million, which would represent a 9% cut on top of the current year’s 14.4% cut. That has been dialed back.
 
The shortfall has been reduced by $300,000, given the city's willingness to level-fund the library rather than cut support one percent. The major hit comes from state funding.