SAN ANTONIO \u2013 San Antonio leaders are considering eliminating 39 positions at the San Antonio Public Library as part of a broader effort to close a $158 million budget deficit. <\/p>\n
Officials say the move would save $946,000 annually while aligning staffing with how residents currently use library services. <\/p>\n
The proposal identified 17 of the library system\u2019s 30 locations. It would dissolve 27 library aide positions and 12 circulation attendant positions, city officials say. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe considered every single branch location,\u201d said Library Director Sukrit Goswami. \u201cWe looked at how much staff they have, what their workload is, and that is how we determined these positions.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a statement, a San Antonio Public Library spokesperson said the proposed changes \u201cwould match staffing with how residents use the libraries today.\u201d <\/p>\n
According to the city\u2019s comprehensive budget, the use of physical materials such as books and magazines has dropped by 40% since fiscal year 2019. During that same period, digital use increased by 161%.<\/p>\n
Maria Villagomez, deputy city manager, told council members that \u201cthe workload has decreased,\u201d while staffing levels have remained the same over the years. <\/p>\n
City officials said the proposed reductions would not affect library services, programs, or hours. <\/p>\n
The proposal has raised concerns among some residents online, with social media users questioning the impact of reducing library jobs. <\/p>\n
One person wrote that libraries are \u201camazing resources\u201d that need support, not budget cuts. Another user urged city leaders not to cut jobs that support public education.<\/p>\n
In a City Council meeting, Alfredo Martinez, the city\u2019s budget director, said 20 of the 39 positions proposed for elimination are currently vacant. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere have been positions identified within the city organization for those individuals,\u201d Martinez said for those in filled positions. <\/p>\n
The San Antonio City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed 2027 budget Sept. 17. If approved, the cuts would take effect Oct. 1.<\/p>\n