Library cuts 37 employees in effort to reduce deficit

The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library said Thursday morning it has cut 37 employees as part of its efforts to reduce an estimated $4 million revenue shortfall next year.

Management, support and public service staff were included in the cuts, the library said.

“The value of all library employees in providing the services our patrons desire cannot be overstated,” Library CEO Laura Bramble said in a written statement. “However, the reality of today’s economic climate requires the library to provide a leaner and more efficient model of service, one that we will continue to shape in the future.”

The announcement said Bramble and library board President Thomas Shevlot would not comment further on the cuts.

On Oct. 3, the library system reduced branch hours by a collective 26 percent. The decline in hours is expected to save about $1.5 million and keep all branches open in 2011.

All locations are open Monday through Thursday, except the downtown Central Library, which is closed on Thursdays.

Branches are closed either on Fridays or Saturdays, with a majority open on Saturdays.

The library system attributes its revenue shortfall to property tax caps and lower-than-anticipated property tax collections. It expects to achieve more savings from a $1 million reduction in the library’s books and materials budget, as well as cuts in printing, postage, utilities and data-communications costs.

Also, higher fines for failing to pick up held books and for replacing library cards could result in a modest revenue bump, the library said.