2009 Budget
As was reported in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel today, the Milwaukee Public Library submitted its 2009 budget earlier this month, which included a number of difficult service reductions. The budget included the reduction of hours at the Central Library and the closing of four neighborhood libraries. This requested budget was presented in response to the library’s allocation, which was significantly reduced. Unfortunately, Milwaukee is not immune to the economic downturn happening around the country and just as Milwaukee families are grappling with how to pay for the increased cost of gas and food, we at the Library are also forced to make difficult decisions. We will be working closely with the Mayor, the Budget Director, and the Library Board of Trustees throughout the summer and while I am hopeful that the situation will improve, we will continue to work to provide quality services in the face of these budget cuts. On behalf of all of us at the Library, I appreciate your patronage and your support.
Paula Kiely
Director
Comments (1)
I was sorry to hear that MPL has been forced to consider such extreme budget cuts that include closing four neighborhood libraries and reducing Central's hours.
During economic downturns, libraries, with their free resources for skills building, employment help, and recreational offerings become MORE important, not less!
I am hoping you will use your best wisdom in choosing which of the four branches to close. I happen to live nearest the Bay View Library, one of the busier branches, so I assume it is NOT one chosen for closing. But I know you may be considering other criteria in deciding which branches will close. I am a librarian myself and know such decisions would be painful.
In better times,will these libraries re-open? How will the books, etc. be deployed in the system during the closures?
Karen Bolton
bolton@msoe.edu
Posted by Karen Bolton | June 4, 2008 11:08 AM
Posted on June 4, 2008 11:08