From The Republican (Springfield, MA):
Three branch libraries [of the Springfield City Library] that were closed on July 2 in Springfield due to budget cuts are now expected to reopen in mid-October in the aftermath of restored funds and ongoing efforts to hire staff.
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The reopening was made possible July 30, when the City Council granted final approval to a $15 increase in the annual trash fee, including $5 that would help with opening the branches. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined in approving the plan after initially seeking a $10 increase in the trash fee.
The fee increased from $75 to $90, with the council transferring $200,000 that night to the library system.
Fogarty said the city has been moving “as quickly as possible” since the July 30 council vote, but needed to post job openings for two weeks, consider job transfers and promotions, review new applications and interview candidates. The department is filling seven vacancies.
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In related news, the Library Department is planning a study to help plan “sustainable library services” in the years ahead, Fogarty said.
The department is searching for funding sources that could help pay for a consultant to assist with the library study, Fogarty said.
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