Despite a referendum in 2000 that allocated $140 million to capital improvements, the library system has yet to recover from cuts of $2 million in local government aid and state funding in 2003. At a September 7 meeting, the board established four new budget scenarios, two of which involve the closing of multiple branches. Plans are now underway for community meetings, focus groups, surveys, and public discussions to gather input from local library patrons.
Southeast Community Library Head Librarian Eric Heideman said in the September 6 Minneapolis–St. Paul Minnesota Daily that it was community support that saved his library in 2003. “This is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Minnesota,” he said, with patrons “from China, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Somalia, [and other countries].” Heideman estimated that one-third of his patrons are from the neighboring University of Minnesota.
Minneapolis Public Library director Kit Hadley told American Libraries, “We’re trying to illustrate the problem by talking about these budget options. They’re designed to show the public what we’re up against.” The board will decide on a final budget during its October 22 meeting.
Posted September 8, 2006.