Up to Half of Denver Public Library Branches Might Be Shuttered

Denver library system suggests own tax district as it faces cuts. (Denver Post, 4/22/2011)

Excerpt:  Up to half of Denver's library branches could close if the system is forced to cut $2.5 million from its budget next year, according to a proposal submitted to the city as part of the budget process.

But library officials say they have solutions that would keep the branches open and full of new material: Turn the system into a library district independent of the city that can tax homeowners.

"There is no other choice but to shrink the system," said City Librarian Shirley Amore.

The library already has reduced hours across the system, with 18 of 23 branches open only four days a week. The cuts would force many branches to be open only two to three days a week.

"That's not sustainable, and it just doesn't make good business sense," she said. "We would have our resources locked up and idled like a book museum."

Closing seven to 12 libraries would maintain acceptable service standards at the remaining locations, according to the library commission's recommendations.

Locations of proposed closures have not been determined, Amore said.

"I suspect once people hear about this there will be a hue and cry," she said. "People love their libraries. People don't want to see their libraries go away."

Related article:
Cuts in hours, materials budget.  (11/16/2010)