Four branch libraries on chopping block again

City administration looking to close four libraries; irate aldermen to sound off

Alderman Bob Donovan will be joined by Alderman Joe Dudzik today at the Zablocki Library to voice displeasure with a draft 2010 city budget proposal that would close two south side and two north side Milwaukee Public Library branches.

Alderman Donovan said the draft Barrett Administration proposal he’s learned about would shutter the Zablocki and Forest Home libraries on the south side and the Mill Road and Capitol libraries. “The library board is apparently preparing for a vote to close these four libraries – even though Zablocki is the city’s most used branch library and Forest Home is among the top tier in terms of usage,” said Alderman Donovan. “Although it’s early and this is just a proposal, we intend to fight tooth and nail to keep our most visited libraries open for our citizens,” he said.

The aldermen expect to be joined Thursday by several concerned city residents, including many who are shaking their heads after learning about the proposal. “If you own a private business and you’re planning to close a few of your branch locations, you don’t close your busiest and most patronized locations. This (proposal) defies common sense,” Alderman Donovan said.