Forced Advocacy: How Communities Respond to Public Library Cuts Lisa Hussey, Simmons College Diane Velasquez, University of South Australia June 1, 2012

Introduction Case Studies of Two Urban Public Libraries Recessionary Budget Pressures Boston & Los Angeles Cultural Heritage of Public Libraries Historical Support of Libraries Budget Shortfalls Large Increase in Patron Use

Boston Public Library (BPL)

BPL Founded Through the Munificence and Public Spirit of Citizens The Public Library of the City of Boston - Built by the People and Dedicated to the Advancement of Learning The Commonwealth Requires the Education of the People as the Safeguard of Order and Liberty

BPL FY11 - Public Announcement Initial budget panic Possibility of closing 4-10 branches No closings after State Legislature passed amendment on budget Layoffs of staff, particularly at Central Library in Copley Square 90.5 positions eliminated

BPL Politics Refusal to lay blame Praise from public participants for public decision making process Library of Last Recourse changed to Library for the Commonwealth Digital focus Grants for digital initiatives

BPL FY12 No layoffs No branch closures Consolidating services into Main Branch at Copley using Kirstein Trust Funds Reduce materials/book budget Elimination of Sunday hours Main Branch at Copley Square Hold 15 positions as vacant

BPL Sunday hours at Main Branch - FY12 Overtime costs Seen as 'public' statement rather than cost saving Additional $350,000 from State budget used to reinstate until May 2012 Level funding from FY11

BPL FY13 3% over FY12 Restoration of materials budget to FY11 Additional $130,000 New e-reader program Early literacy nook at Charlestown Branch Teen writing lab at Elgeston Square Branch Teen zone renovation at Hyde Park Branch Outdoor space rejuvenation at South Boston Branch Level funding from State

Los Angeles Public Library Mandated funding reductions Previous to 2011-12, 1.75% of chartered budget Library department paying back for overhead Decrease of 328 positions Hours decreased to 5 days a week Materials and other services reduced

LAPL Revenues, Expenses, & Overhead

Salaries

Measure L Charter Amendment Increase library budget charter from 1.75% to 3% over four years Charter amendment passed by council Placed on March 8, 2011 ballot City Council and Mayor supported Police, Fire, LA Times did not support it

Measure L Charter Amendment Passed by 63% of voters The amendments mandates: 45% of funds to library’s operating budget 55% would fund direct and indirect costs For 2011-12, projections were $13,445,506 45%: $6 million 55%: $7.4 million

Measure L Charter Amendment Proposed Funding Increase FY % Estimated Funding Increase 2011-12 2.06% $11,787,569 2012-13 2.37% $25,098,360 2013-14 2.69% $38,366,625 2014-15 3.00% $51,677,416 Source: Santana (2010)

Proposed Service Restoration FY Proposed Service Restoration 2011-12 Restore 6 day service at all 73 libraries 2012-13 Restore 2 additional evenings/week at all 73 libraries 2013-14 Increase budget for technology upgrades & library materials 2014-15 Restore 7 day service at 9 libraries

LAPL - FY12-13 Budget Add 49 positions Funding includes: Restore Monday/Wednesday evening hours Friday morning hours Funding includes: Building a digital library Human resources office Accounting and shipping divisions Strategic plan

Conclusion Boston and LA had successful results Future research: Survey of Top 50 US Urban and Top 25 Canadian public libraries Survey of Top 25 Australian public libraries