Library cuts could trim hours, delay new branch

A budget deficit could force the Calgary Public Library to reduce hours and delay the opening of a new branch, its top official says.

Calgary Public Library CEO Gerry Meek said his department is facing a $3-million shortfall following city council's request that all city departments trim spending to make up for a $60-million deficit in this fall's budget.

"We just know that, as we look at this exercise, we're alarmed at some of the implications of what it will be, given where we are with these capital projects. And we're concerned about the implications in terms of our ability to deliver library service to Calgarians," said Meek.

No final budget decisions will be made until after the municipal election on October 18th.

But if the library budget is cut as planned, next year's slated opening of a new branch in Saddletowne in the northeast will have to be postponed, Meek said.

And all branches might have to close on Sundays and one night per week, he added.

Staffing levels are already as lean as they can be at Calgary's public libraries, said Rhena Oake, a spokeswoman for the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents library workers.  

"There once again will be immediate impact on our casual workers," she said. 

"Those hours simply will not be there. So we have the potential to lose highly trained staff as they pursue employment somewhere else."