BREAKING: The Boulder Public Library District (BPLD) is making significant cuts to security and staffing due to a sharp decline in revenue. Just announced, the BPLD will eliminate dedicated security guards at three branches, including the Meadows Library, George F. Reynolds Library, and the newly opened Gunbarrel Branch. This decision comes as the district’s revenue plummets from $26.2 million to $21.7 million, a staggering drop of more than $4.4 million.
During a meeting last week, the BPLD Board of Trustees approved the 2026 operating and capital budget, officially confirming the cuts. Security services spending will be slashed from $830,000 to $462,920, a drastic 44% reduction. BPLD Director David Farnan stated that the decision reflects the low number of incidents, with only one reported at Reynolds and 12 at Meadows over the past year.
Farnan emphasized that incidents are decreasing overall, with total reports down 30% at the main library. “Incidents are way down,” he noted, highlighting a 25-30% increase in building use and patron visits. However, he acknowledged the difficult nature of the cuts, stating, “It sucks. You’re letting go of good people because the money isn’t there.”
The BPLD is also reducing staff by approximately 11.5 positions, impacting both full-time and part-time employees. Recent layoffs have already occurred, with salaries decreasing from over $10.45 million to just under $10 million. Most of these cuts involve vacant positions, but layoffs have begun as well.
In a bid to manage costs, the BPLD plans to bring custodial services in-house, which is expected to create around four new positions. This move follows the heightened security measures implemented in 2022, after the main library gained national attention due to drug-related incidents. Farnan assured that the library is committed to preventing such occurrences in the future.
As the BPLD navigates these challenging financial waters, a unionization effort is underway among workers, aiming to regain collective bargaining rights lost following the district’s separation from the city in 2022. A special Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for December 2, 2023, to discuss the unionization efforts.
This situation is developing, and the implications for the community and library patrons are significant. Residents are urged to stay informed about further updates from the Boulder Public Library District as they adapt to these changes.
