Posted November 24, 2003.

Staff, Hours Take Severe Hits in Final Minneapolis PL Budget

Trustees of the Minneapolis Public Library gave final approval to a 2004 budget that keeps all the branches open but cuts library hours by a third and reduces full-time staff positions at all levels by 27%. The austere budget, a version of which received preliminary approval in July, is the result of a significant decrease in local-government aid from the state. The total library budget for 2004 is only $18.4 million, down from $22.8 million in 2003.

“It is a heartbreaking time,” said Library Director Kit Hadley. “We’re losing so many talented and committed employees who’ve given their all to the library and our patrons over the years.”

The layoff process began in September for management staff and continues with other employees, who will be terminated effective December 31. The layoffs have upset leaders of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council 14, who attended the November 19 library board meeting. “We think it’s short-sighted to be proceeding with a plan to prioritize management staff over front-line staff who work with the public,” AFSCME spokesman Andrew English said in the November 20 St. Paul Pioneer Press. About 100 of the union’s workers will either be laid off or see reduced work hours, he added.

Public service hours will be reduced approximately 33% beginning January 1. Library officials expect to announce the new schedule in early December.

Posted November 24, 2003.