Library board cuts $1.3 million

Scotts Valley, Felton and Boulder Creek libraries took major hits as the county library board slashed $1.3 million in an attempt to balance the system’s 2009-10 budget.
Beginning in July, the Scotts Valley library will be open 32 hours a week, a reduction from the current 48 hours. Felton will be cut from 37 hours to eight, and Boulder Creek will be cut from 37 hours to 12.
Every branch was hit hard in board action Monday, June 1, and further cuts may be forthcoming. Overall, the system faces a $1.9 million shortfall in its $12.6 million budget, and the state is expected to “borrow” another $448,000 from the library budget as part of the effort to balance the state budget.
The new plan provides for these open hours:
Scotts Valley: 1 to 5 p.m. Monday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
Felton: 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
Boulder Creek: 1 to 5 p.m. Monday and Saturday, 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Board members said they would wait to make further cuts until after new library director Teresa Landers arrives in July.
The reductions will require laying off 15 employees, cutting three positions to part time and eliminating six unfilled positions. Earlier plans that would have closed the Felton and Boulder Creek branches were rejected by the board.