Forwarded by David Brauer, list manager: 2004 LIBRARY BUDGET REDUCTIONS Facing drastic budget reductions due largely to cuts in Local Government Aid, the Minneapolis Public Library Board has been examining three potential budget scenarios for library service in 2004 and beyond. After extensive community input on the various options, the Board and staff are pursuing a new course that would not close any libraries. All libraries would be open at least some hours, varied geographically to provide as much access as possible. The budget proposal would fund services such as technology learning centers but at reduced hours, and would partially fund programs like Summer Reading, bilingual outreach, and teen initiatives, while seeking outside funding for some of the expenses.
Staff will present a preliminary budget to the Library Board Finance Committee on July 9. Two additional public hearings are scheduled before the Board is expected to approve the budget on July 23. Public Meetings: *Wednesday, July 9, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Central Library Marquette, 250 Marquette Ave., 2nd floor (Library Board Meeting) *Tuesday, July 15, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at North Regional Library, 1315 Lowry Ave. N. (Public Hearing on budget) *Wednesday, July 16, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at East Lake Community Library, 2727 E. Lake St. (Public Hearing on budget) *Wednesday, July 23, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Central Library Marquette, 250 Marquette Ave., 2nd floor (Library Board Meeting) More detailed information, including specific impacts on hours, programs, and services, will be posted on the library website at www.mplib.org as it becomes available. Other options for public input: *fill out a comment form available at any Minneapolis Public Library *leave a message on the Library comment line at 612-630-6263 (or 630-6003 TTY) *submit online at www.mplib.org/suggest.asp *send e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] *write to Minneapolis Public Library, 250 Marquette, Suite 400, Mpls., MN 55401 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
