Minneapolis Board
Rejects Library Closings
The Minneapolis Public Library Board’s Finance Committee rejected a proposal to close four branch libraries, going against new MPL director Kit Hadley’s recommendation. At the March 12 meeting, the committee instead voted to spend down reserves, cut 48 positions—25 of which are vacant—and make cuts to building maintenance and technology.
Three of the libraries slated for closing—Southeast, Roosevelt, and Webber Park—were chosen because of lower attendance and proximity to other branches. The fourth, Walker, was selected because its parking area needs $788,000 in repairs. Two other libraries—Franklin and Sumner—will temporarily close for renovations April 1 without interim locations.
Dissenters on the committee, who favored the closings, included Board President Laura Waterman Wittstock, who told the March 13 Minneapolis Star Tribune, “If you can’t do everything, you do some things really, really well. That is what I am for.” Board member Anita Duckor said, “It’s time for us to step up to the plate and make some tough calls. Either we’re going to do it or it’s going to be done to us.”
The vote came as the board faces a projected $25-million operating deficit through 2010, along with a proposed state aid cut of $2 million recently announced by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
The entire board was scheduled to vote on the proposal March 26.
Posted March 17, 2003.
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