The City Council is now reviewing Mayor Greg Nickels’ proposed 2010 budget, which includes $2.8 million in cuts to the Library budget. Proposed cuts include a reduction in branch operating hours and a one-week closure of the entire Library system. The proposed hours reduction would mean that 21 Library locations would be closed on Fridays and Sundays – all year. In addition, those branches would experience a significant reduction in their remaining open hours and would be open after six only two days per week. Overall, the Library would lose about 23 percent of its open hours compared with 2009. Here’s the list of libraries that will be closed both Sunday and Friday and with reduced operating hours if the proposed budget is adopted by Seattle City Council in November:
Northgate, Broadview, Greenlake, Greenwood, University, Montlake, Northeast, Capitol Hill, Fremont, Wallingford, Magnolia, Queen Anne, Madrona Sally Goldmark, International District/Chinatown, West Seattle, Columbia, Delridge, Highpoint, Beacon Hill, New Holly, and South Park.
The proposed budget will impact all of our communities and neighbors who are relying on our libraries for computer access, job search resources, educational support, gathering spaces, and librarian assistance. In 2008, more than 13 million customers visited the Library and so far this year, visits are up another 8 percent. Circulation of books and other items was up 20 percent in 2008; this year it is up an additional 11 percent.
How Can You Help? Councilmembers can change the budget if they hear public concern. The most important thing you can do now is to attend public hearings and email councilmembers.
Public Hearings all start at 5:30. To speak sign up begins at 5:00:
Oct 7, Wednesday, Whitman Middle School Auditorium. 9201 15th Ave NW, Seattle.
Oct 14, Wednesday, Northwest African American Museum, Legacy Gallery, 2300 S Massachusetts St, Seattle
Oct 26, Monday, City Council Chambers, 600 4th Avenue
RSVP and we’ll send you preparatory information. advocacy@friendsofspl.org
Your councilmember’s emails.
Subject line: restore library hours. Suggested text: My name is ________. I use the _______library. Please restore library hours.
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