Connecticut: Hartford Public Library Facing Possible Job Cuts and Branch Closings

UPDATE Hartford Mayor Vetoes Council Cuts That Could Have Shut Down Library Branches (via NBC Connecticut)
From WTIC:

The Hartford Public Library may be forced to close three branches and cut 25 jobs if the city’s budget is approved.
The library system recently eliminated 10 positions, but the rest of the cuts will take effect July 1, said CEO of the Hartford Public Library Bridget Quinn-Carey. The branches slated to close are Mark Twain, Blue Hills, and Camp Field.
The budget cuts would total $1.25 million as part of Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin‘s 2017-18 budget.

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From the Hartford Courant

When Mayor Luke Bronin unveiled his budget last month, it included a cut of $600,000, or 4 percent, in funding to the library. On Wednesday, the city council approved an additional reduction of $393,000, bringing to almost $1 million the decrease in contribution.
[Bridget] Quinn-Carey [HPL CEO] said she already cut 10 positions — some through layoffs and others by eliminating vacant slots — after Bronin announced his budget cut. The additional reduction could force her to shed another 10 to 15 jobs, she said.
Bronin has until the end of the day Friday to veto cuts that the council made to his $557 million spending plan for 2016-17. He could not immediately be reached for comment Friday.
If the cuts are upheld, Quinn-Carey said, the library branches could close as soon as July 1.

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