Anonymous Patron writes “The Sun-Sentinel reports that Broward (FL) county commissioners “asked staff to find times when libraries are little used and cut there. They also agreed to close a branch library on Sunrise Boulevard and return the building to the city of Fort Lauderdale.” The proposed cuts are part of an effort to cut $40 million from the county’s $3.1 billion budget.
And they’re pondering an estimated $3.6 million in trims that would come from curtailing hours at parks and libraries, a move that gave commissioners serious qualms. After debating it, they decided it should be based purely on the number of people using the facilities.
More information here:
Sun Sentinel” and at the Miami Herald. According to the submitter, the proposed cuts came as a complete surprise to rank and file staff who were first made aware of the situation by reading their morning newspaper.
Why isn’t this in the story? Hmmm. . .
Newly hired librarians, some who moved to a new state for a job at Broward County Library, were just informed their jobs were “rescinded” due to budget cuts. AFTER they left their old jobs, old homes, etc. Unbelievable!
Re:Why isn’t this in the story? Hmmm. . .
as someone who knows people in the Broward system, I can say that they are also going to shut down the Bookmobile, cut hours at 10 of the busiest and largest libraries in the system, and have been advised there will be “other changes” to be announced. Administration there is very vague on what these “other changes” may be!
Re:Why isn’t this in the story? Hmmm. . .
None of this, as bad as it is, is surprising to me. BCL seems to have a systemic tendency toward mismanagement. I cannot tell if it is corruption or incompetence or some blend of the two. I’m a relatively recent hire and I’m almost daily introduced to another example of poor treatment of employees and patrons.
Re:Why isn’t this in the story? Hmmm. . .
The average homeowner, according to the Miami Herald, will save $60 per year. That’s a low, low price for the loss of all those services.