Boulder Public Library Slashes Staff and Security Amid Revenue Drop

UPDATE: The Boulder Public Library District (BPLD) is making urgent cuts to staff and security services at multiple branches due to a significant revenue drop. Effective immediately, the library will eliminate dedicated security at the Meadows Library, George F. Reynolds Library, and the newly opened Gunbarrel Branch, while also reducing security at the main library.

During a recent meeting, BPLD’s Board of Trustees adopted the 2026 operating and capital budget, revealing a stark revenue decline from $26.2 million to $21.7 million, a loss exceeding $4.4 million. The budget cuts security spending from approximately $830,000 to $462,920, marking a dramatic 44% reduction.

Library Director David Farnan stated that there has been only one security incident reported at the Reynolds Library and twelve at the Meadows Library over the past year. Despite these incidents, Farnan emphasized, “Incidents are way down… Building use and patron visits are up 25-30% across the board.”

The cuts will save the library roughly $367,000, and while the decision to reduce security was based on a low incidence rate, Farnan noted that services could be restored should the need arise. This follows a period of heightened security implementation in 2022 after alarming reports of methamphetamine detection in the main library’s bathrooms.

In addition to security cuts, BPLD is also reducing staff by eliminating 11.5 positions, including some full-time jobs. Farnan confirmed that two staff members have already been laid off, stating, “It sucks. You’re letting go of good people because the money isn’t there.” The library’s total salary expenditure will drop from over $10.45 million to just under $10 million.

In a strategic move, the Board of Trustees has opted to bring custodial services in-house, which is expected to create approximately four new positions. This decision is aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs related to outsourcing.

As BPLD grapples with these cuts, staff members are in the process of organizing a unionization effort to restore collective bargaining rights, which were lost following the library district’s separation from the city in 2022. A special meeting has been scheduled for December 2, 2023, to discuss this critical issue.

These developments are raising concerns within the community about the future of library services in Boulder. The urgency of the situation is palpable, with library patrons and staff alike feeling the immediate impact of these budgetary decisions. The BPLD is now tasked with navigating a challenging landscape as it seeks to balance financial sustainability with the needs of its community.