Multnomah County Library Cuts Back

Oregon's Multnomah County Library (MCL) is not immune to the state's economic downturn. Although no professional librarians are expected to lose their jobs, the system's libraries will now be closed on Mondays. Non-unionized library managers are required to reduce their workweeks by five hours and take equivalent pay cuts, effective this month. Some 50 probationary employees at the clerk and shelver levels will be let go. Unionized staff have been asked to volunteer to take cuts in work hours, and many employees have already offered to help, says library spokesperson Penny Hummel. The reason for these measures? MCL's operating budget of $45 million has been slashed by $1.19 million (2.5 percent) for the remainder of 2002. Even deeper cuts are expected for fiscal year 2002–2003.

MCL will also be forced to delay construction of a new branch library, cancel $100,000 in support of library services in a school district, and reduce the budget for books and other materials by $420,000.

Oregon's unemployment rate in November hit 7.4 percent, the highest in the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state government faces a $1 billion deficit in the coming fiscal year, hence support to both public libraries and schools will be affected. Portland Public Schools also face potential budget cuts of up to $50 million, and layoffs of teachers and school library staff are possible.