Libraries: Cut Main Library Hours, Convert Six Branches to "Self-Serve," Cut Staff at Harte and Mark Twain

(August 2, 2012) -- On August 1, Mayor Bob Foster recommended that the City Council adopt City Management's proposed FY13 City Hall budget, which applies what the Mayor and management call "proportional reductions" that would cut the budget of LB's Library Dept., resulting in the measures below (among others) proposed by LB management. Quoted text is from budget narrative unless otherwise indicated.

Cut Main Library hours and hours and full time positions of City Hall City Source Information Desk
"Deficit Positions Reduce programming and library hours at the Main Library. Patrons will experience longer lines (during peak periods), reduced services, and fewer opportunities to have their reference questions answered. There will be reduced access to new and current library materials, including print, media and e-books, and reduced early childhood literacy services. Main Library hours will be reduced to current hours of all branch libraries. Additionally, full-time positions and supplies for City Source Information Desk at City Hall will be replaced with part-time positions, and hours will be reduced."
Convert Six Branches to "Self-Serve" And Reduce Staff at Harte and Mark Twain
"The Library will innovatively respond to increasing demand for library services at all twelve facilities while operating within reduced fiscal realities. A new service model implemented at three neighborhood library locations in FY 12 will expand to six libraries in FY13. This model will allow library services to continue throughout the Long Beach community. Six libraries will offer a full range of library print, virtual and multimedia resources, services, and programs for all ages, while six libraries will provide a reduced level of service.
"Six neighborhood branch libraries will be 'self-service' facilities. Libraries will offer check-out of materials and computer use, but offer limited library programs and reduced librarian assistance. Among other things, there will be an increased reliance on self-checkout. ($392,471)(4.77) Reduce staffing at Harte and Mark Twain branch libraries in line with current full service branch libraries. Patrons will experience longer lines (during peak periods)."

To hear Mayor/Mgm't Aug. 1 proposed budget presentation, click here. Mayor's opening runs to 17:25 (parallels his written statement on next link); City Mgr. starts at 17:30; Q & A runs from 35:40 to 44:45). To see detailed budget documents (City Mgm't materials + Mayor's recommendations), click here.

LBReport.com FY13 Proposed City Budget Coverage:

Police: Eliminate 40 Sworn Officers + 32 Civilians; Reduce Gang Enforcement & Investigation Bureaus, Acknowledges Would Likely Mean Higher Crime; Would Fund One 34-Officer (17 Recruits for Six Month Training) Replenishment Police Academy Class in FY13

Eliminate One Fire Engine (Location Not Publicly Specified), Cut Paramedics In Half (Requires L.A. County Approval), Increase Paramedic Units From Eight to Eleven

Parks & Rec: Eliminate Free Youth Sports & Afterschool Pgms Except In High Density/High Crime Areas, Eliminate Park Ranger Safety Patrols at El Dorado Park except Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, And More

Libraries: Cut Main Library Hours, Convert Six Branches to "Self-Serve," Cut Staff at Harte and Mark Twain

Council Reaction: Councilwoman Schipske Says Mayor/Mgr's Proposed Budget Cuts Would Hurt Eastside Most

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