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Buffalo Expects to Close 24 of 52 BranchesIn the face of an ongoing budget crisis, the Buffalo and Erie County (N.Y.) Public Library expects to close some 24 of its 52 branches next year, and to cut the budgets of those that remain open.At a July 26 meeting, the planning committee of the library board considered a ranking of all branches based on factors including building condition and accessibility, activity levels, and proximity to other branches. Officials said that the 24 lowest-ranking facilities will be shut, although adjustments may be made based on geographic concerns—for instance, the current scenario would leave no branches in the southwest corner of the county—the Buffalo News reported July 27. The previous week the system had estimated that 19 branches would have to close. Closing the branches would involve the layoff of more than 100 people and the need to sell or store roughly half a million items, as well as computers and other equipment, the News reported July 26. Library Chief Financial Officer Kenneth Stone estimated that the closings would save about $4 million. However, officials foresee a potential $6 million deficit next year that will necessitate severe cuts at surviving branches. The board expects to release a final list of library closures by the end of August. Last year the Erie County legislature narrowly approved a budget that averted the closing of all the system’s branches. Posted July 29, 2005. |
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