While it's compelling to debate big boxes and graffiti, the city has asked the public for its view on a very specific question: how to close a $4.5 million budget gap for the libraries in 2004.
The board is presenting three scenarios. I'd appreciate it if list members could pick one - use the letter if you can - and explain why. Here's the SW Journal's summation of the options: � Scenario A keeps all community libraries open, but cuts reference services, technology support, collection development and building maintenance to a minimum. Funding for bilingual outreach, homework help, summer reading, teen and early literacy initiatives would be eliminated. Community libraries would be open four days a week for a total of 28 hours. The Central Library would open a total of 48 hours. � Scenario B reduces the city�s community libraries from 14 to nine, with Walker, 2880 Hennepin Ave. S., or Linden Hills, 2900 W. 43rd St., among the targets. The Central Library would be open 35 hours a week with adequate staff and the nine community libraries would be open 37.5 hours a week with adequate staffing. Funding for bilingual outreach, homework help, summer reading, teen and early literacy initiatives is maintained. Webber Park, Northeast, Southeast and Roosevelt libraries would also be closed. � Scenario C keeps the Central Library would open 44 hours a week with adequate staff. Community libraries are open between 22 to 48 hours a week on different days with varying staffing levels. No Southwest libraries are closed, though Roosevelt, Southeast and Webber Park would be. Funding for bilingual outreach, homework help, summer reading, teen and early literacy initiatives is maintained. In each scenario the administrative budget is cut between $200,000 and $250,000; five positions are cut, wages are frozen and travel eliminated. Thanks, David Brauer King Field Editor, SW Journal 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
