The Toronto (Ont.) Public Library board voted July 25 to eliminate Sunday service at 16 of its more than 100 branches, including the downtown reference library, and cancel the purchase of 14,000 items. The actions were among measures taken to cut $1.2 million (U.S. $1.1 million) from the library budget as part of a citywide effort to make up a $575-million (U.S. $542 million) shortfall.
Chief Librarian Josephine Bryant proposed closing additional branches on Sundays, but the board voted to retain service at 11 branches in Mayor David Miller’s “priority neighborhoods” that have low incomes and high service needs, the Toronto Star reported July 26. Other measures taken by the board include a hiring freeze; a delay in reopening the Jane-Dundas branch, currently under renovation; elimination of the Storyteller in Residence program and forgiveness of overdue fines for some teens; and reductions in training, travel, and IT spending.
“It’s very serious and very sad,” said board Chair Kathy Gallagher Ross. “There’s just nothing we can do; any cuts at this time lead to service reduction.”
In a letter sent to all city agencies, City Manager Shirley Hoy said “the financial circumstances of the city are severe” and asked all divisions to implement “cost containment” measures by July 31. She also mandated a hiring freeze and the elimination of discretionary spending.
Posted July 27, 2007.