Boulder Library Cuts Security and Staff Amid Revenue Drop

URGENT UPDATE: The Boulder Public Library District (BPLD) has just announced significant cuts to security and staffing across multiple branches due to a drastic drop in revenue. The decision, confirmed during a board meeting last week, will eliminate dedicated security at the Meadows Library, George F. Reynolds Library, and the newly opened Gunbarrel Branch.

The BPLD’s budget for 2026 reveals a staggering revenue decline from approximately $26.2 million to just $21.7 million, representing a loss of more than $4.4 million. To combat this financial shortfall, the district’s proposed budget has been set at around $20.8 million.

According to BPLD Director David Farnan, security incidents have been relatively low, with only one reported at Reynolds and twelve at Meadows over the past year. Despite a rise in library usage, with patron visits increasing by 25-30%, the Board of Trustees decided to reduce spending on security services from $830,000 to $462,920, a decrease of about 44%.

Farnan stated, “It’s always about activation. Incidents are way down,” indicating that the need for security has diminished. However, he acknowledged that security could be reinstated if necessary.

This move follows heightened security measures implemented in 2022 after concerns arose regarding drug use in the main library. Farnan emphasized the district’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment, asserting, “We made a commitment to (make sure) that nothing like that would ever happen again.”

In addition to security cuts, BPLD will reduce staffing by approximately 11.5 positions, affecting both full-time and part-time employees. Farnan revealed that two recent layoffs have already occurred, and staff salaries will drop by 4% from more than $10.45 million to just under $10 million. Most of the job cuts will come from vacant positions, with Farnan expressing concern for the employees affected, stating, “It sucks. You’re letting go of good people because the money isn’t there.”

Furthermore, the Board is moving to bring custodial services in-house, which could create about four new positions. This change is part of a broader strategy to streamline costs amidst the financial crisis.

As these staffing changes unfold, BPLD workers are also pursuing a unionization effort to restore collective bargaining rights lost when the library district separated from the city in 2022. A special meeting to discuss the unionization will take place on December 2.

This developing situation highlights the ongoing struggle of public institutions to balance budgets while addressing community needs. As library services evolve, the impact on both employees and patrons will be closely monitored.