For the time being, Palmetto Bay residents needn’t fear that their neighborhood library will be affected by the proposed county budget cuts that will be closing some library locations.
The picturesque and popular library, located in Ludovici Park at 17641 Old Cutler Rd., is not on the list of proposed library closures, according to Victoria Galan, public affairs officer for the Miami-Dade Public Library System.
“That library will remain open,” Galan said on July 19. “If anything, usage there may increase as people who have been using other libraries due to close have to look elsewhere. Three of the libraries on the list to be closed are what we call storefront leased properties, one is in the Civic Center downtown and the rest are stand-alone buildings. Of course, we’re still hoping for a miracle.”
The mayor’s proposed budget would close 13 of the 49 library branches as a means of reducing costs because of the budget shortfall.
However, the Miami-Dade Commission is leaning toward tweaking the budget to keep all libraries open.
Popular for students to do research for schoolwork and participate in various reading programs as well as adult book club gatherings, the libraries also have seen increased activity lately due to their program offering free passes to area museums and attractions.
