Dearborn council approves $11.7 million for library renovations amid public outcry over temporary part-time layoffs

The Dearborn City Council on May 19 approved $11,669,215 in additional expenditures to McCarthy & Smith and MCD Architects for phase three of the Esper and Bryant branch library renovation project, despite sustained public comment warning the project will force temporary layoffs for roughly 40 part‑time library employees.

The council added item 21 to the regular agenda for public testimony and debated the administration’s plan before adopting the resolution by roll call (7 yeas). Interim Library Director Patty Podzikowski said the $13 million renovation program will consolidate staffing at the Centennial (Henry Ford) Library while Esper and Bryant are closed for construction, and that full‑time positions remain preserved under the budget. She said some part‑time slots will be suspended during the renovation and HR is assisting employees in finding alternate work and will contact them first when positions reopen.

Dozens of current and former part‑time library workers and residents told the council the suspension will sharply reduce day‑to‑day services. Will Smith, who said he has worked in multiple libraries across Michigan, called the decision “upsetting” and warned the city was prioritizing project costs over workers. Abigail Smith, identified as a Dearborn Public Library employee, said the planned layoffs will remove key custodial, security and circulation roles and that the staff reduction will last longer than the council’s six‑month estimate; council discussion suggested the work could run longer than six months.

Speakers described practical consequences: fewer staff to shelve and prepare holds, reduced custodial coverage and less security presence, which patrons and employees said could threaten safety and program continuity for children and seniors. Part‑time employees described program responsibilities ranging from SAT prep and youth programming to maintaining meeting rooms and providing accessibility assistance.

Mayor Hamoud and other council members defended the renovation strategy as a long‑term investment. The mayor said the council and administration secured grant funding and increased the library millage to help finance the projects, and he asked staff to evaluate staffing needs on a rolling basis and to use available fund balance to add slots if necessary.

Podzikowski said the library commission approved the renovation plan and reiterated that the library’s budget still funds the full-time positions. She and the mayor pledged to monitor service levels and to consider adding temporary positions if operations deteriorate during the consolidation.

The council also approved a separate $1,275,091 contract to Key Construction for the Bryant Library Garden Hub renovation and other related consent‑agenda items tied to library modernization.

The council directed staff to report back on service levels during construction; the budget adoption and project timelines will determine when suspended positions are recalled and whether additional temporary hires are required.