Birmingham Furloughs More Than 150 Library Employees

BIRMINGHAM, AL — More than 150 Birmingham Public Library employees have been furloughed indefinitely due to the City of Birmingham's $63 million budget shortfall.

The decision was made by the BPL Board of Trustees during a special called meeting held Friday, September 18. One of the most significant casualties of the decision by the is the Eastwood Branch of the BPL, which will close permanently.

Related Story: Birmingham Proposed Budget Addresses $63 Million Shortfall

In a statement, BPL executive director Floyd Council said the decision was not easy, but was necessary to move to a reduced staffing model and be fiscally responsible to City of Birmingham taxpayers.

"It is with sad disappointment that Library Administration had to recommend to the Library Board of Trustees for the approval to furlough 158 of our valuable employees," Council said. "During these difficult COVID-19 and challenging economic times, public libraries and BPL are more relevant and needed now than ever before."

Council announced that the Central Library downtown will re-open to the public for in-person service starting on October 1, 2020. Regional curbside service will continue, but all other library branch locations will remain closed for now. Details are still being determined regarding how the Central Library will handle in-person service.

"We are now focused on employee furlough aftercare and reopening Central Library to start recovery for future plans of service beyond COVID-19," Council said.