Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Coronavirus collateral damage: Richmond (California) public libraries on the chopping block


Coronavirus: Richmond considers furloughs, shutting library, service cuts to close $27 million deficit.  (San Jose Mercury News, 5/11/2020)

Main Library

Across-the-board city furloughs, cuts in services, hiring freezes, layoff and closing the city’s libraries were all part of a list of 59 “budget strategies” presented by city staff at the May 5 Richmond City Council meeting. Richmond, which operates three libraries, isn’t part of the Contra Costa County Library system. 
“Everything is on the table,” said Mayor Tom Butt, in response to a question about the future of the library.

Bayview Branch

Laying off six library and swimming pool employees, along with reducing services, programs and purchases, could save the city a range of $13.7 million to $21.4 million. That includes $4 million in reduced costs if the libraries were completely closed, “which will be very controversial,” Butt said. Without that $4 million, the range in savings is $13.7 million to $17.4 million in savings.

West Side Branch


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