Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s budget cutbacks may hit the Chicago Public Library (CPL) system—and may result in the closure of a Boystown fixture.
If the new budget cutbacks, scheduled to be announced Oct. 12, are severe enough, they could affect the John Merlo Public Library, 644 W. Belmont.
CPL Director of Marketing Ruth Lednicer told Windy City Times that because the city is in the middle of the budget process, nothing has been finalized. She added that service hours may be cut or, in the most serious case, libraries may have to close.
“It is my understanding that they’re looking at not closing, but perhaps losing staff or days of service,” she told Windy City Times. “But until everything’s formally announced, that’s not the final word.”
The John Merlo branch is known for its extensive collection of LGBT materials, including pamphlets that date back decades.