Detroit Library Pulls Branch Closing Plan

DETROIT (AP) - The Detroit Public Library has reversed course after saying it could close most of its neighborhood branches amid budget problems.

The Detroit News reports that the cuts had been proposed because library officials botched budget calculations. Administrators on Friday withdrew a recommendation to close as many as 10 of 23 neighborhood branches and lay off dozens of staffers.

Just a month ago, officials said the budget was so bleak that as many as 18 branches would close. Last week, the list was cut after The News pointed out officials misinterpreted tax collection projections.

The library this week said it also didn't factor in savings to the budget from 70 staffers that lost their jobs to layoffs or took retirements.

The Detroit Library Commission is asking questions about the mistakes.

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