URGENT UPDATE: The Boulder Public Library District (BPLD) has just announced significant cuts to staff and security services across multiple branches due to a staggering drop in revenue. Effective immediately, dedicated security will be eliminated at the Meadows Library, George F. Reynolds Library, and the newly opened Gunbarrel Branch.
The BPLD Board of Trustees made this drastic decision during a meeting last week when they approved the $20.8 million operating budget for 2026, reflecting a revenue decline from approximately $26.2 million to $21.7 million—a loss exceeding $4.4 million.
David Farnan, director of the BPLD, stated there has been a total of 13 incidents reported over the past year at the affected branches, with security incidents down by 30% overall at the main library. Despite this, Farnan explained that it was challenging to justify the nearly $1 million spent on security given the low number of incidents. The budget cuts will reduce security spending from $830,000 to $462,920, marking a dramatic 44% decrease.
“Incidents are way down,” Farnan remarked, emphasizing the increase in building use and patron visits, which are up by 25-30%. The decision to cut security services will save the district about $367,000.
This budget adjustment coincides with BPLD’s plans to replace its cleaning service with an in-house team, which could create approximately four positions while also cutting 11.5 staff positions, both full-time and part-time. These staffing reductions come as BPLD employees initiate a unionization effort to restore collective bargaining rights, lost following the district’s separation from the city in 2022.
Farnan expressed the emotional weight of the cuts, stating, “It sucks. You’re letting go of good people because the money isn’t there.”
The Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on December 2, 2023, to further discuss the unionization efforts and the future of library operations. As the community reacts to these significant changes, the implications for library services and safety remain a pressing concern for patrons and staff alike.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
