Executive Summary
The Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on May 19, 2026, to review the Boston Public Library's (BPL) proposed FY27 operating budget of $50,724,000 and its $231 million five-year capital plan. Led by President David Leonard, the BPL panel discussed the challenges of a largely flat budget, including managing approximately 45-55 staff vacancies to avoid layoffs while maintaining current operating hours. Key discussion points included the rising costs of digital collections, the progress of major capital projects like the Fields Corner and South End branches, and the library's critical role in providing ESOL and workforce development services. Public testimony from library staff emphasized that the system is currently 'treading water' and requires increased investment to meet growing community demands.
Meeting Information
- Governing Body: Boston City Council, Ways & Means Committee
- Meeting Type: Budget Hearing
- Date: May 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM
- Chair: Councilor Benjamin Weber
- Councilors in Attendance: Edward Flynn, Erin Murphy, John Fitzgerald, Gabriela Coletta Zapata, Liz Breadon
- BPL Panelists: David Leonard (President), Emily Tokarczyk (CFO), Michael Colford (Director of Library Services), Priscilla Foley (Director of Neighborhood Services)
Docket Overview
The hearing focused on the following dockets related to the Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget for the Boston Public Library:
- Dockets #0733-0740: Overview of the FY27 Operating Budget for the Boston Public Library, sponsored by Mayor Michelle Wu and referred to the committee on April 8, 2026.
BPL Performance and Strategic Goals
President David Leonard presented a snapshot of the library's 2025 performance and strategic alignment:
- 2025 Statistics:
- 3.2 million total visits to the Central Library and branches.
- 1.9 million physical items circulated (an increase over the previous year).
- 5.4 million digital items (e-books/audiobooks) downloaded.
- 129,000 new library card sign-ups.
- Strategic Plan Pillars: Lifelong Learning and Research Partner, Community Engager, Welcoming Destination, and Trusted Resource.
- Programming Highlights: 98,000 visitors to the 'Revolutionary Art' exhibition; ongoing 'Declarations of Independence' exhibition featuring eight original printings.
FY27 Operating Budget and Staffing
The proposed operating budget is $50,724,000, which is described as a 'largely flat' budget.
- Budget Strategy: To avoid layoffs and maintain operating hours, the BPL is holding approximately 45-55 vacancies unfilled. This budget is roughly $1.5 million below a full maintenance budget.
- Staffing Risks: President Leonard warned that the system is 'one or two vacancies away' in certain branches from failing to meet minimum service standards.
- Diversity in Hiring: A $50,000 amendment from the previous year is being used for a partnership with Simmons University to fund three Master's in Library Science candidates to diversify the applicant pool.
Collections and State Aid Requirements
CFO Emily Tokarczyk detailed the financial pressures on the collections budget:
- State Aid Eligibility: The BPL must spend 12% of city operating dollars (over $6 million) on collections to remain eligible for state aid.
- Digital vs. Physical Costs: A physical book costs approximately $20, while a digital license (e-book or audiobook) costs approximately $70 and is only valid for two years.
- Hold Times: High demand for digital items has led to extreme wait times. For the popular title Yesteryear, there are 4,600 people on hold, with wait times of 305 days for e-books and 270 days for audiobooks.
Capital Projects and Branch Updates
The five-year capital budget totals $231 million. Updates on specific branches include:
- Fields Corner: Construction is nearly complete; scheduled to open in Fall 2026.
- South End: Design is finalized. Bidding for contractors will begin in 3-6 months. The new design moves mechanical and electrical equipment to the roof to prevent future flooding damage.
- Chinatown: Part of the 'Housing with Public Assets' program on Tyler Street; currently in a complicated development phase.
- Eggleston Square: Design is nearly finished; construction is pending available funding in the capital plan.
- South Boston: A programming study remains in the five-year plan, though no specific construction date is set.
Public Testimony
Two representatives from the Boston Public Library Professional Staff Association (BPLPSA) provided testimony:
- Bryce Kieran Healy (Cataloging Supervisor): Stated the budget is a 'step in the wrong direction' and argued that the library is 'barely treading water.' He noted: "We cannot do more with less, we can only do less with less."
- Allison (Allie) Hahn (Children's Librarian, Brighton): Emphasized that BPL serves as the 'library for the Commonwealth' as other municipalities cut services. She described her role as a "preschool for kids who are not in preschool" and urged the council to protect funding for free community resources.