Hundreds Prepare For Layoffs From City Libraries
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Layoff notices have begun going out to hundreds of workers at city libraries, warning they will be let go if the city’s proposed budget cuts go through.
About 350 library workers in Brooklyn got their 90-days' notice earlier this week.
More than 300 in Queens were got the bad news about two weeks ago.
All together, about 1,400 library jobs would be cut under the mayor’s proposed budget, which the libraries say will leave them without about $74 million less funding than last year.
“Many of the people who received the layoff notices are new employees to the library, and they are devastated," said Eileen Muller of Local 1482, Brooklyn Library Guild. "They counted on going through college, going through a masters program -- if you’re a librarian. Going through a masters program, getting your degree and coming to work."
Some of the layoffs can be averted if funding is restored in budget negotiations between the mayor and the City Council.
The city budget is due July 1.