Boston Mayor: "I believe we have too many branch libraries".

Hard to put that quote to music.

Link to January 11 Boston Globe article, "Menino still looks to close libraries. Boost for branches to run out by July".

Excerpt: Opponents of a plan to close four of Boston’s libraries scored a significant victory last week when the state allocated extra money to keep the branches open.

But that sense of triumph may be fleeting. The $350,000 from the state is a one-time fix that keeps the buildings open only an additional three months until the fiscal year ends June 30. After that, new money will be hard to find in a difficult budget year, and Mayor Thomas M. Menino says libraries could once again be on the chopping block.

“I believe we have too many branch libraries,’’ Menino, who will deliver his annual State of the City address this evening at Faneuil Hall, said in a recent interview. “As a politician I shouldn’t say that because it makes people mad. But if we really want to be honest with ourselves and the public you have to say that.’’

Related articles:
$350,000 in State Funding Keeps 4 Boston Public Library Branches Open Thru June.  (1/5/2011)
Residents fight to keep 4 neighborhood branches open.  (10/26/2010)
Editorial takes library officials to task.  (9/11/2010)
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)

Elvis believes in other things.