The people of Philadelphia can breathe easy now. It was announced earlier this evening that the Pennsylvania State senate passed bill 1828 by a vote of 32 to 17. This was the legislation that was needed for the City of Philadelphia to avoid the layoff of 3,000 city workers and the forced the closing of all library branches.
Local library users may have been unhappy about Seattle Public Library's closure earlier this month, but readers in Philadelphia had it much worse. The Free Library of Philadelphia had posted notices at all of the branches and on the web site advising library users that all libraries would close at the end of the business day on Friday, October 2nd if the state Legislature does not act on the city's budget request.
Had the library closed, all services would have been impacted. All library programs and outreach would have been canceled, community organizations would have had to find other places to hold meetings, all GED and ESL programs would have been discontinued, and library users would not have access to books, CDs, DVDs, online resources, or any other library materials.
The Library was hopeful that the State Legislature will act and pass enabling funding legislation. They encouraged residents to contact local elected officials in an attempt to save the birthplace of the lending library. Over 2,000 letters were sent to state legislators.
Correction: As previously reported, 11 library branches in Philadelphia did not close last fall. Tax money was used to continue library funding. All branches are open.
Sound off: What do you think about the closure crisis that was averted?
Comments
Public libraries are finding they have to compete w/other public special interest such as fire and police depts (which are also important, don't misunderstand) AND in the internet age are forced to defend their very existence. Unfortunately it's becoming more of a pay-for-play society where "the common good" is devalued in favor of "individualism" - i.e. more narcissitic consumerism. That's my rant.
Thank you.
People are powerful when they galvanize their energy towards the common good. Too bad that the best things are taken for granted and routinely have to fight for their value.
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