The Enterprise of Brockton, Mass.
www.enterprisenews.com
By Maria Papadopoulos
ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER
Dorothy DeAndrade wishes the doors at the west branch of the Brockton Public Library on Forest Avenue were open more often.
A lot of people have complained about it, you know, said DeAndrade, 72, as she checked out 10 books on a recent afternoon. But Im thinking Oh my God, I hope theyre not going to cut back more.
Last year, the Brockton library slashed its weekly hours at its west and east branches from 40 to 15. The library has lost 11 jobs, six from layoffs.
This strategy of reduced hours, staff cutbacks and shrinking services is playing out at public libraries across the region, as local communities brace for the worst while the states fiscal crisis unfolds.
In this two-part series, The Enterprise is looking at the state of local libraries. Some are suffering with the pain of losing state certification. Other libraries are holding on, even thriving, but could face tough times down the road.
Brockton and Rockland were lucky in one way. They were among the communities that avoided penalties for not adequately funding their libraries in this fiscal year. Their libraries received waivers from the state to operate without restrictions.
Well be in trouble if we lose our library, said Angel Colon, who frequents at the Brockton Public Library with his children. A lot of good things and good programs happen here.
Worst hit were Wareham and Norton, whose libraries were among four statewide to be decertified last month. In the states view, the communities had reduced their library budgets too much.
Patrons, meanwhile, are upset, worried and frustrated.
This whole thing is an absolute disgrace, said Pauline Solomones, a member of Nortons book discussion group, which has met at the library for more than 10 years.
Bridgewater was decertified in fiscal 2008, which ended last June 30, and did not reapply for state aid.
Decertified libraries cannot receive state aid or federal grant money earmarked for libraries, and they are dropped from regional loan networks so their patrons cannot borrow items from other libraries.
Public library prospects in fiscal 2010 — which starts on July 1 — are looking grim for many local communities.
After working for the Brockton Public Library for more than three decades, branch librarian Karen King is bracing for the worst next fiscal year.
I never thought itd really come to a point where wed have no branches but Im really scared this year, King said. I really think that theres a good possibility that we will get hit first because were branches.
Level playing field
Public libraries, which are open to all citizens regardless of class, race, education or income level, are necessary in a democratic society, says Celeste Bruno, spokeswoman for the state Board of Library Commissioners.
Libraries are the only organization that level the playing field, Bruno said. It doesnt matter where youre from ... you have the same access as everybody across the state does, to the same materials.
But, in times of fiscal crisis, the library may be seen as a vital, but not core, service of local government, Bridgewater Selectman Mike Demos said.
Demos placed public safety and education at the top of the core mission of local government.
Do you shut down a fire substation or do you keep a library open 50 hours a week? Demos said. Those are the difficult decisions that municipalities have to make in these dire financial times.
Bridgewaters library is open just 15 hours a week. Demos, a father of three, said he misses Bridgewaters library program. It breaks my heart that the library is not in full service, he said.
Focusing on core services during a fiscal crisis is understandable, Brockton Public Library Director Harry R. Williams III said.
If I were the mayor of the city, I wouldnt lay off even more policemen and firemen to add more money to the library budget, Williams said. I would never say dont touch our budget when everyone elses is being cut.
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