Howard County, MD – A dispute is brewing in Howard County, Maryland, as the local library system has terminated the employment of 55 on-call support staffers, commonly known as “shelvers,” sparking outrage from the union representing library workers. The move, framed by library officials as a response to budget constraints, has been sharply criticized as a short-sighted decision that will place an undue burden on remaining staff and potentially impact library services. The terminations highlight a growing tension between library administration and its workforce, particularly as the union continues to navigate the implementation of a recently ratified contract.
The Howard County Library System (HCLS), which serves a population of over 330,000 residents according to the U.S. Census Bureau , operates six branches across the county. These support staffers, who perform up to ten hours per week, are responsible for essential tasks such as shelving books, maintaining library organization, and assisting patrons. Their removal, according to Megan Royden, president of Howard County Library Workers United (HCLWU), came as a complete shock. “We are angry about this, we are sad about this and we are disgusted that This represents a decision that management has chosen to take,” Royden stated.
The impact of losing 55 staffers, even those working limited hours, is significant. At the Miller branch, where Royden works as an instructor and research specialist, the 10 support staff collectively contribute 94 hours of work weekly – the equivalent of more than two full-time positions. “That is an insurmountable amount of work,” Royden emphasized, arguing that these individuals are crucial to the daily functioning of the library. The HCLWU, representing over 200 library employees, formed in February 2024 and is affiliated with AFSCME Maryland Council 3 , demonstrating a growing movement towards collective bargaining within the county’s library system.
Budget Constraints and Staffing Adjustments
Christie Lassen, a spokesperson for the HCLS, maintains that the decision was not a layoff but rather a “phasing out” of on-call staff. “First we did not lay off employees,” Lassen wrote in an email. “We are phasing out the use of on-call staff, who work up to ten hours per week, as needed.” She attributed the move to “budget constraints,” adding that the workload will be absorbed by existing staff. The library system currently has 245 employees and operates on a $27.3 million budget for the current fiscal year . Last year, the budget experienced a 3% increase, amounting to $749,840.
Although, the union disputes the claim that the work can be seamlessly absorbed. Royden argues that the library system has demonstrated a willingness to allocate funds elsewhere, citing recent salary increases for library leaders. This claim raises questions about the prioritization of resources within the HCLS and whether alternative cost-saving measures were adequately explored before resorting to reducing staffing levels. The situation echoes a similar controversy in neighboring Baltimore County, where the abrupt layoff of 14 part-time librarians in November 2025 led to public outcry and ultimately the departure of the Baltimore County Public Library’s CEO, Sonia Alcántara-Antoine.
Echoes of Baltimore County and Contract Disputes
The Baltimore County incident, where part-time librarians were reportedly laid off over Zoom and given limited time to clear their belongings, drew widespread condemnation from county council members, and residents. The subsequent reinstatement of the staff and the CEO’s departure underscored the importance of public support and the potential consequences of unpopular personnel decisions. Royden expressed hope that Howard County leadership would learn from this example and prioritize the needs of its library staff and the community. “We are encouraged by Baltimore County’s outcome and are hopeful that our Howard County leadership will also try to live up to the values that the county has,” she said.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is the ongoing dispute over the implementation of the union’s inaugural contract, ratified in May 2025. The contract included negotiated wage increases, but union members have yet to receive the promised raises. The union was initially told that the increased wages would be reflected in paychecks beginning July 1, 2025, but has since been informed that the payments are now expected on March 6, 2026. Royden revealed that the delay stems from a “protracted arbitration with library management” regarding insufficient funding from the county to cover the raises. The union alleges that library leaders were able to secure funds for their own salary increases despite claiming a lack of resources for employee compensation.
County Response and Future Funding
County Executive Calvin Ball’s office has acknowledged its role as a funding partner for the HCLS but maintains that it does not have direct oversight of the library system’s operational and management decisions. Safa Hira, a spokesperson for County Executive Ball, stated that the county government “does not have a role in operational and management decisions for HCLS.” This separation of responsibilities raises questions about the level of accountability and influence the county government has over the HCLS’s budgetary and staffing choices.
Looking ahead, the HCLS is seeking a 7% funding increase for the next fiscal year. Lassen explained that this “sizeable ask” is intended to cover the 7% wage increases mandated by the union contract, as well as to strengthen professional development opportunities and expand the library’s collection and class offerings. However, Lassen also cautioned that the library system may be forced to implement additional cuts if its full funding request is not approved. This potential for further reductions in services underscores the precarious financial situation facing the HCLS and the potential impact on the community it serves.
Key Takeaways
- Staffing Reductions: The Howard County Library System has eliminated positions held by 55 on-call support staffers.
- Union Opposition: The Howard County Library Workers United strongly opposes the decision, citing concerns about increased workload for remaining staff.
- Budget Concerns: Library officials attribute the move to budget constraints, even as the union questions the prioritization of resources.
- Contract Dispute: The implementation of a recently ratified union contract, including wage increases, is currently delayed due to funding issues.
- Baltimore County Parallel: The situation echoes a similar controversy in Baltimore County, where a public backlash led to the reinstatement of laid-off librarians.
The next scheduled meeting of the seven-member board overseeing the HCLS operational system is set for March 18, 2026, at the Savage Branch. This meeting will likely be a focal point for discussion and potential action regarding the staffing reductions and the ongoing budget concerns. The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for the future of library services in Howard County and the relationship between the HCLS and its dedicated workforce. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and engage in constructive dialogue regarding this important community issue.