Minneapolis staff, hours take severe hits.(Updates)(Brief Article)

Trustees of the Minneapolis Public Library gave final approval November 19 to a 2004 budget that keeps all the branches open but cuts library hours by a third and reduces full-time staff positions at all levels by 27%. The austere budget, a version of which received preliminary approval in July (AL, Aug., p. 22), is the result of a significant decrease in local-government aid from the state. The total library budget for 2004 is only $18.4 million, down from $22.8 million in 2003.

"It is a heartbreaking time," said Library Director Kit Hadley. "We're losing so many talented and committed employees who've given their all to the library and our patrons over the years." …