6.15.10
Posted on December 12, 2010June 15, 2010
4 Boston Public Library Branches to Lose Security Guards July 1st
Boston – People of Boston Branches has learned that 4 neighborhood branches of the Boston Public Library will lose security guards on July 1st. The proposed plan is as follows:
The South End Branch Library will lose all security guard coverage (24 hours a week). They currently have security 5 days a week during the afternoons.
The Fields Corner Branch Library will lose 16 hours a week ( they will only have coverage Tuesday 2-8pm and Friday 2-5pm)
The Hyde Park Branch Library will lose 16 hours a week (they will only have coverage Monday and Thursday 1-8pm and Friday 2-5pm)
The Lower Mills Branch Library will lose all security guard coverage (23 hours a week)
The Fields Corner Branch Library will lose 16 hours a week ( they will only have coverage Tuesday 2-8pm and Friday 2-5pm)
The Hyde Park Branch Library will lose 16 hours a week (they will only have coverage Monday and Thursday 1-8pm and Friday 2-5pm)
The Lower Mills Branch Library will lose all security guard coverage (23 hours a week)
Boston Public Library officials declined to comment on the issue citing ongoing “negotiations,” however it is unclear that guards and librarians affected by the change are being contacted to discuss these moves. What is also unclear is whether the move is being planned by the Boston Public Library in consultation with local police precincts.
At a meeting of the Friends of the Fields Corner Library held this evening, Friends were concerned that the lack of security would leave the library vulnerable to disruption and force staff to take on security duties. A similar situation recently emerged in Mattapan the case in Mattapan when it lacked proper security staffing (http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01/30/trouble_touches_an_urban_oasis/).
The move is being proposed because the current plan to lay off overnight cleaning crews at the Boston Public Library’s McKim & Johnson Building leaves these buildings empty overnight. These security moves would free up 79 contracted hours so that these buildings can be guarded from 12AM – 8AM by two security guards 7 days a week.
The cuts hit councillor Maureen Feeney especially hard. Already losing the Lower Mills Branch Library, Feeney’s district now stands to lose security coverage for the rest of the summer at Lower Mills and permanently at Fields Corner, both of which may put additional pressure on police in those areas. Likewise, councillor Bill Linehan faces a loss of all security coverage at his South End Branch Library in addition to losing a branch at Washington Village, which is slated to close, and the recent passing over of Chinatown for a new branch in East Boston. Councillor Robert Consalvo is a Friend of the Hyde Park Branch Library.
