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1h ago

Baltimore County Library Reinstates 14 Part-Time Librarians After Abrupt Layoffs

The reversal follows sharp criticism over timing, transparency, employee treatment.

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A selection of children’s books is displayed at the Cockeysville branch of the Baltimore County Public Library in Cockeysville, Md., during the launch of the No-Cost Summer Meals program. The event highlights resources available to support children and families throughout the summer months. (Nia Meyers/Staff)
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Overview

  • Library officials say the 14 part-time librarians are reinstated effective immediately, two days after they were told their jobs were eliminated.
  • Employees were given about an hour to gather belongings and were escorted from branches, with the union saying alternative openings largely meant full-time roles or lower pay.
  • Leaders describe the move as part of a long-planned phase-out of part-time librarian positions, which fell from 79 in 2020 to 14 this year.
  • County council members and the library board say they received no advance notice, and several council members publicly pressed for the decision to be reversed.
  • Library leadership acknowledges the process was mishandled and vows to work with stakeholders on next steps, as questions persist about the timing given funding remains through June 30.