Boston Globe Editorial Takes Library Officials to Task

Link to September 11 Boston Globe editorial, "Restore Saturday library hours".

Excerpt:   Boston Public Library officials are misreading the public if they think they can continually cut back on services and maintain their credibility, too. The wounds remain raw from the earlier announcement that library branches in Dorchester, Brighton, South Boston, and East Boston would be closed. While the city’s budget problem is real, it is becoming less clear if the library system is taking creative steps to solve the problem.

Library patrons are being told that the inability to open on Saturdays for the next six weeks is due mainly to problems in shifting unionized staff across the system. That shouldn’t be an insurmountable problem for a library system that is promising to use advanced technology to revolutionize library service. And the staffing excuse pales against the importance of providing the convenience of Saturday service, which can range from traditional book borrowing to English classes for new immigrants.

Related articles:
BPL on the ropes.  (7/1/2010)
Four library branch closings delayed.  (6/22/2010)
Boston Magazine profiles Amy Ryan, Public Library President.  (6/5/2010)
State funding at risk.  (4/29/2010)
Library board votes to close 4 branches.  (4/10/2010)
Recommendation to close 4 branches (among other cuts).  (4/8/2010)
More than 100 gather to fight possible branch library closings.  (4/4/2010)
The Skinny on Boston's branch libraries.  (4/1/2010)
Library measures data published.  (3/31/2010)
Don't close the book on us. (3/29/2010)
Citywide Friends of BPL to Hold Demonstration.  (3/28/2010)
BPL Budget News Available at Website.  (3/25/2010)
A Small Branch Makes a Big Impact.  (3/24/2010)
Friends of Boston Public Library Host Read-in to Support Tax Increase. (3/14/2010)
Emotions Reach Boiling Point in Boston Public Library Discussion. (3/13/2010)
The Boston Public Library Dilemma, Continued. (3/12/2010)
Boston Speaks Up for Its Libraries. (3/10/2010)
Boston Public Library Branches to be Ranked in Consolidation Plan. (3/9/2010)
Boston Public Library Anticipating Budget Cuts in 2011. (3/2/2010)