As you well know, the Minneapolis library system has been cutting hours and services for the past two years, due partly to decreased funding.
But the fact is, at least part of the cuts are because the library is resistant to change. One change they could and should make is to hire teenagers to do the shelving and circulation desk duties afterschool and on weekends. The advantages are twofold: the kids get valuable work experience and extra money, and the library can greatly reduce their payroll expenses, because you don't have to pay kids much more than the minimum wage. There is precedent for this. Many rural libraries do it. And it's done as close by as Columbia Heights, MN. They hire kids from the local high school to do these tasks from 330-close on weekdays and on Saturday. And they have substantially larger hours than any Minneapolis Library. For more info on their library, go to http://www.ci.columbia-heights.mn.us/lib/lib.html Bottom line, we need to save money. And this is a darn good way to do it. So, Ms. Wittstock and others, let's discuss this instead of trying to get more $$$ from the state--because that is never going to happen, unless and until Mr. Pawlenty is defeated. Chris David Columbia Park http://www.southhighsucks.com/ REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
