'A brutal hit': Everett library cuts will lead to reduced hours, staffing

EVERETT — Reduced hours. Furloughed workers. Longer wait times for books.

These will be some of the results of Everett’s proposed cuts to the public library’s budget, set to go into effect when the 2025 budget is passed. At a meeting Tuesday, the library Board of Trustees shared for the first time how programs, operating hours and staffing would be affected as the city aims to address its ongoing budget deficit.

The city is planning to cut the library’s annual budget to $5.1 million, down from $5.8 million this year, a 12% cut. To save costs, the library will be open 72 hours per week, 24 hours less than the 96 hours the two branches are currently open weekly.

The two library branches currently have differing schedules. The main branch in north Everett is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and is open until 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Evergreen branch in south Everett has the same schedule but is closed Monday.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/a-brutal-hit-everett-library-cuts-will-lead-to-reduced-hours-staffing/