Facing Cuts, NYPL turns to Improv Everywhere for Viral Advocacy Video

May 18, 2010

Fearing severe budget cuts more than ghosts, New York Public Library teamed up with public pranksters Improv Everywhere to host one of IE's missions at the library—and produce a viral video supporting NYPL's "Don't Close the Book on Libraries" advocacy campaign in the process. "We are facing a $37 million budget cut from the city … Continue reading Facing Cuts, NYPL turns to Improv Everywhere for Viral Advocacy Video


Rolling with the Punches

May 14, 2010

I don’t know anybody who hasn’t been hurt by this economic debacle that seems to be turning the entire country on its head—any number of countries, in fact. At the American Library Association, we’ve been hit just like everybody else. It is tempting to do a lot of hand-wringing and tooth-gnashing because it seems as … Continue reading Rolling with the Punches



Gates Foundation, IMLS Research Proves Value of Online Access

April 14, 2010

The economic downturn has led to dramatic increases in library visitation across the nation, including unprecedented demand for free computer and internet access. Over the last year, Americans have flocked to libraries to get online and find help from trained staff to conduct job searches, complete online coursework, apply for government services, and learn new … Continue reading Gates Foundation, IMLS Research Proves Value of Online Access


Boston Trustees Approve Closure of Four Branches

April 9, 2010

The Boston Public Library board of trustees unanimously approved a plan April 9 to close four branches and eliminate dozens of positions to address a $3.6-million budget shortfall for FY2011. The plan, proposed April 7 by BPL President Amy E. Ryan, calls for the closure of four branches—Faneuil, Lower Mills, Orient Heights, and Washington Village—and … Continue reading Boston Trustees Approve Closure of Four Branches


Boston Library Officials Dial Back Service-Cuts Proposal

April 7, 2010

With 48 hours to spare before the Boston Public Library board is scheduled to finalize the system’s FY2011 budget for Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s review, BPL President Amy E. Ryan has recommended a modified service cutback. The change follows a sustained outpouring of public criticism regarding an earlier proposal to close up to 10 branches … Continue reading Boston Library Officials Dial Back Service-Cuts Proposal


West Virginia Governor Vetoes Current-Level Funding for Libraries

March 29, 2010

West Virginia library advocates suffered a blow March 26 when Gov. Joe Manchin used his line-item veto power to slash library funding in next year’s state budget by 5%. Library supporters had convinced the legislature to maintain funding at current levels despite the weak economy. Manchin cut the appropriation for grants-in-aid to public libraries from … Continue reading West Virginia Governor Vetoes Current-Level Funding for Libraries


Charlotte Mecklenburg Branches Saved; Fundraising Aims to Rehire Staff

March 24, 2010

In an emergency meeting on the morning of March 24, the board of the Charlotte Mecklenburg (N.C.) Library rescinded its controversial week-old order to close half the system branches and lay off 148 staff members. Instead, trustees unanimously approved an alternative plan that will keep all 24 branches in operation at a reduced schedule; lay … Continue reading Charlotte Mecklenburg Branches Saved; Fundraising Aims to Rehire Staff


$2 Million Sought by March 24 for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

March 19, 2010

Frantic messages with hashtags of #cmlibrary and #2millioninoneweek are dotting the twitterverse about efforts to avert—or at least allay—sudden plans to close 12 branches of the Charlotte Mecklenburg (N.C.) Library and lay off 148 library workers April 3. The startling March 17 announcement was followed the next day by a library board meeting at which … Continue reading $2 Million Sought by March 24 for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library


Bostonians Deplore “Downloadables” as Branch Substitutes

March 16, 2010

[UPDATED March 17] “Not the computers, not the high-tech, not the downloadables,” said Boston resident Maria Rodriguez at a March 9 Boston Public Library board meeting. “Libraries are about books and librarians. I didn’t hear anything about that in your vision.” Rodriguez was one of nearly 400 people who came for details about the planned … Continue reading Bostonians Deplore “Downloadables” as Branch Substitutes


Save the Library, Urge Los Angeles Public Library Workers

March 3, 2010

The union that represents Los Angeles Public Library workers has mounted a campaign to stave off an anticipated reduction in LAPL’s workforce over five years. As of early March, the FY2010 plan to help narrow a municipal deficit of $212 million hinged on the early retirement of 145 library employees and the elimination of 110 unfilled … Continue reading Save the Library, Urge Los Angeles Public Library Workers