$61M Extra Not Enough For Library
By Jessica Ablamsky
Keeping library doors open six days a week came at too high a cost, according to Queens Library staff. The end result: 44 lost jobs, five-day service in most locations and a drop in workplace satisfaction.
Among those losing their jobs are 38 library aides, whose responsibilities include checking out books and collecting fines, four librarians and two security guards, said John Hyslop, president of the Queens Library Guild.
“I’m disappointed at the outcome given our very significant restoration,” said Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside). “No one will fight harder for libraries than myself.”
Although City Council provided $61 million in extra funds needed to keep the library opened five days a week, library officials say that is not enough to meet the local need.
“We are committed to the needs of our communities, which is why we are committed to keeping every community library open every single day after school, with 18 libraries open six days a week and Central Library open every day,” according to a statement from library officials, regarding service changes that took effect on Sept. 7. “Every Queens Library staff member is an important resource for the community. Losing anyone is regrettable. This is a tough fiscal environment.”
Library staff were stretched too thin before the layoffs, Hyslop said. Despite the loss of workers through normal attrition, no new public service staffers have been hired since 2008.
“We’re fairly tight,” he said. “We can’t afford to lose any librarians.”
Library officials offered the union a failed deal that would have prevented layoffs. The sticking point, both sides agree, was a promise of no future layoffs.
In uncertain economic times, and the ever-present threat of mid-year cuts, a promise would be “fiscally irresponsible,” according to the statement.
Employee morale is “abysmal,” Hyslop said. “People are upset and customer service is going to suffer, because our hours are just so bad.”
Instead of taking the time to develop book and DVD collections, librarians must spend all day helping customers, which can lead to burnout, he said.
To keep every library manned, librarians are being shuffled from familiar locations to other branches where they do not know the community.
“You’ve been working at a branch for three, four, five years. You know the community, you know what they need. Then you get moved to the other side of the borough,” Hyslop said.
Library officials “strive to maintain high quality public library service,” according to the statement.
Reach Reporter Jessica Ablamsky at jablmasky@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 124.