LIBRARY BOARD DETAILS THREE BUDGET SCENARIOS, SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT Nearly 45% of the funding to operate the Minneapolis Public Library (MPL) comes from the Local Government Aids (LGA) program. The 2003 Legislature reduced LGA funding significantly. As a result, the Library Board must adopt a budget for 2004 that makes substantial cuts in services.
MPL's 2004 budget will be $18-$18.8 million, which is approximately 20% less than the already-reduced 2003 budget of $22.9 million. Current planning assumes a similar level of funding from 2004 through 2006. The Board has developed three potential scenarios for delivering library service with a drastically reduced budget, each highlighting a different set of trade-offs in order to make the necessary cuts. All scenarios assume that the new Central Library opens as planned in 2006 with adequate staffing six days a week. The options are briefly described as follows. Please go to www.mplib.org/budget.asp for more information. Scenario A: Emphasis on Community Places On the premise that the library is most valued for its physical proximity to Minneapolis residents and its presence as a neighborhood anchor, no libraries are closed. Services are reduced due to minimal staffing levels; all community libraries are reduced to 21-35 hours a week and Central is reduced to 48 hours/week. Children's services are severely curtailed, computer and literacy centers are no longer funded, and all existing programs and initiatives that serve new immigrants and other special populations are eliminated. Scenario B: Emphasis on Extent of Services To support lifelong learning and free access to information with a wide range of services and programs, the number of locations is reduced in order to maintain strong services in the remaining locations. Five of the following six libraries are closed: Webber Park, Northeast, Southeast, Roosevelt, Walker, Linden Hills. With adequate staffing levels, the nine remaining community libraries are open 37.5 hours/week and Central is open 35 hours/week. Most programs that serve special populations are retained. Scenario C: Emphasis on Customized Service Delivery This approach diversifies the way MPL delivers library services in order to reduce reliance on library-only facilities. Three community libraries are closed and the remaining libraries are open from 22 to 48 hours/week, and staffing levels range from minimal to adequate. Most programs that serve special populations are retained, and new types of service delivery will be explored. The Library Board invites you to share your reaction and opinions about these alternatives. You may submit comments online at www.mplib.org/suggest.asp, fill out a comment sheet at any Minneapolis Public Library, or attend one of the following public meetings: * Tuesday, June 17, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at East Lake Community Library, 2727 East Lake St. * Wednesday, June 18, 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Central Library Marquette (regularly scheduled Library Board meeting) * Thursday, June 19, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at North Regional Library, 1315 Lowry Ave. N. * Tuesday, June 24, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Catholic Eldercare, 817 NE Main St. * Thursday, June 26, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Washburn Community Library, 5244 Lyndale Ave. S. The Library Board's Finance Committee will make a recommendation on a proposed 2004 budget at the July 9 Board Meeting. The full Board will take action on Wednesday, July 23. Kristi Gibson Public Affairs Coordinator Minneapolis Public Library TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
