Frances Bula header image 2

Library board meeting: Hours reduced at central and branches, Riley Park closes?

November 25th, 2009 · 8 Comments

This just in from the communications staff at the library, who apparently don’t sleep.

LIBRARY BOARD SETS 2010 BUDGET PRIORITIES

(Vancouver, British Columbia) – Vancouver Public Library Board of Trustees this evening proposed to reduce operating hours at some Library branches, reduce staffing, collections and administrative budgets and to further discuss with City Council a $166,000 shortfall to balance the Library’s 2010 Operating Budget.

Trustees directed Management to identify a further $166,000 reduction in the budget that could result in the closure of the Riley Park Branch in January,18 months earlier than anticipated, or mean reductions in other areas. The Library Board will discuss these options with the City.

The Library’s proposed 2010 Operating Budget will now be submitted to City Council which will consider the interim 2010 City budget on December 1 and finalize the budget on December 18. Council may make changes to the Library budget at that time.

The reductions were necessary to address the impact of City of Vancouver budgetary pressures which resulted in a funding gap to the Library of $1.354 million as well as a $220,000 reduction in provincial grants. In 2010, the planned Library Operating Budget allocation from the City will increase by $800,000, however, this increase will not address all anticipated cost pressures.

To meet the proposed 2010 Operating Budget allocation, the Library Board voted to:

  • Reduce branch operating hours at up to 14 branches for a savings of $349,000 and directed Management to identify an additional $166,000 reduction in the budget that could result in the closure of the Riley Park Branch or reductions in other areas.
  • Close the Central Library an additional three hours per week and reduce the related staffing budgets for savings of $419,000.
  • Reduce the Technical Services budget by $360,000.
  • Reduce the Collections budget by $180,000.

·         Reduce the budget for Administrative areas by $100,000.

“The Library Board deeply regrets having to recommend these cuts in service,” said Board Chair Joan Andersen. “We appreciate all the support from the public for Library services and we are hopeful that the City will find a way to restore part of the Library budget when their deliberations are completed.”


Categories: Uncategorized