SPL may lose 2.8 million from 2010 budget

October 1, 8:32 PMSeattle Books ExaminerDanielle Dreger-Babbitt

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On the heels of last month's week-long library closure, Seattle Public Library has announced that if the 2010 budget that Mayor Greg Nickels proposed passes, the library system would have to cut $2.8 million dollars.  Proposed cuts include a reduction in branch operating hours and a one-week closure of the entire library system. The proposed hours reduction would mean that 21 libraries would be closed on Fridays and Sundays year-round. The library would lose about 23% of its open hours compared with 2009. This is part of a citywide plan to address a projected $72 million revenue shortfall in the city of Seattle's 2009-2010 biennial budget.

Libraries nationwide are suffering financially. This is not good news for anyone who frequents their neighborhood libraries for computer access, job search resources, educational support, gathering spaces, and librarian assistance, in addition to checking out books, CDs, and DVDs for free.  In 2008, more than 13 million people visited the Seattle Public Libraries and so far this year, visits are up about eight percent.  Circulation of books and other materials was up 20 percent last year; and so far this year it is up an additional 11 percent.

The City Council will hold budget hearings in October and approve a final 2010 adopted budget for the city in late November. The Library Board will approve the Library's 2010 plan in mid-December. While the council allocates the funds to operate the Library, it is the Library Board's responsibility to decide how that money is spent. Anyone may attend any of these Seattle City Council budget hearings and express their concerns. The meetings are:
 

Monday October 5th
10:30 a.m. Public Comment
10:45 a.m. Library Presentation to Council
Seattle City Hall, Floor 2, Council Chambers
600 Fourth Avenue

Wednesday, October 7th, 5:30 p.m.
City Council Budget Hearings
Whitman Middle School, Auditorium
9201 15th Ave NW

Wednesday, October 14th, 5:30 p.m.
Northwest African-American Museum, Legacy Gallery
2300 S Massachusetts St.

Monday, October 26th 5:30 p.m.
Seattle City Hall, Council Chambers
600 4th Avenue

For more information about budget cuts, visit the Seattle Public Library website.

Sound off: How will reduced library hours affect you?

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