The economy has taken a toll on the state of California in the worst ways possible.
Not too long ago, the Governor issued an eminent state of emergency and was forced to make budget cuts to keep the state afloat. The crisis itself has put a damper on the residents’ spirits as their finances, homes and companies continue on a downward spiral to obscurity. Now, Los Angeles libraries have even taken a hit.
Local supporters gathered at the Los Angeles Public Library on Monday to protest the closures of 73 libraries due to massive budget cuts. The city’s pitfalls are contingent on reduction costs in the workplace. The local department suggests that libraries downsized by 28% and librarians were forced to take furlough days or unpaid days off as part of the initiative. And employees were no longer apart of the budget shortfall plan after July 1.
According to the Los Angeles Times:
Mark Siegel who works as a city librarian, said at least seven librarians and 50 support staff members experienced layoffs. He said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and City Council had uneven strategies for the cuts but that city officials are hopeful that the city’s finances will rebound. “We just completed a massive rebuilding program, and people aren’t able to use their libraries,” he said. “We want them to move us up on the list.”
