Providence library may transfer branches to new group
3:00 PM Fri, Apr 03, 2009 | Permalink
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Citing significant losses in its endowment, the nonprofit organization that operates the city library system is considering transferring control of the nine branch libraries to another agency. The Board of Trustees of Providence Public Library (PPL) voted Thursday to work with the newly formed Providence Community Library (PCL) to take over the branch libraries. The board had previously approved a plan that would shut down five branch libraries but keep the main downtown library open. "We all agree that the neighborhood services provided at the branch libraries are important and worth pursuing. Providence Public Library has been able to maintain services at all nine branches and the Central Library by covering deficits with funds from its endowment," said PPL Board Chairman William Simmons. "However, due to the national economic crisis, which has ravaged the library's endowment, that option no longer exists." The PPL is currently facing a $1.4 million deficit for fiscal year 2009. "The members of the PCL are obviously very committed to their mission and have considerable community support. I think we should explore giving the PCL a chance to operate our facilities with city money and look for ways to initially help in the transition. I think we owe it to everyone to explore how PPL may be able to support the PCL's plan to assume operations," said board vice chairman Robert Taylor. In a news release, Taylor and Simmons said that they have already begun discussing with the PCL how a transition might work to assure as little disruption as possible for branch services. PCL founding member Linda Kushner said that she was "very pleased" that PPL and PCL "will be looking into seeing how we can provide the best library services to the people of Providence." 
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