Branch library issues continue

Branch library issues continue

Keywords: Public libraries, Public sector, School libraries

Dateline: Baltimore, Maryland

On July 18, Baltimore's Enoch Pratt Free Library announced that five branches would be closed permanently as of September 1: Dundalk, Fells Point,Gardenville, Hollins-Payson, and Pimlico. According to the July 19 Baltimore Sun, Director Carla D. Hayden said that the closings are to offset the city's "years of budget reductions and inadequate funding" from the city. This decision follows months of public hearings. Although at this point there will be no staff lay-offs, if city funding continues to decrease, another six branches may be closed.

Mayor Martin O'Malley supported the decision, pointing out that the Library's"mission is not served by spending millions of dollars to repair decrepit libraries," but by building "a better system with a brighter future."School libraries in the areas where the five branches are located will receive a total of 150,000 books to help offset the loss. In April, the mayor had requested that none of the libraries be closed before the end of the summer. He wanted to consider other uses for the buildings. O'Malley has since announced that they will be kept open as community centers, which he thought might be even more important to residents than the loss of the library. However, residents in the areas where closings were being considered have spoken out against the decision in public meetings and have petitioned to have the libraries kept open. On a more positive note, Hayden is excited about a $46 million restoration and expansion plan for the central library in addition to an $8 million facility in Highlandtown, which is planned for 2003. http://www.ala.org/alonline/news/2001/010611.html; http://www.ala.org/alonline/news/2001/010723.html