Philadelphia Libraries Closing October 2nd - All Of Them

Another tragedy befalls Philadelphia. No, I'm not talking about Donovan McNabb. The Pennsylvania State Senate was unable to pass a budget this last week, which may result in the mandatory closing of all Philadelphia public libraries come October 2.

No public officials have set a potential reopening time for the libraries, but NBC Philadelphia has been quick to point out the social ramifications of the State Senate's failure:

• No access to the Internet for low-income earners
• Cancellation of after-school educational programs in libraries
• GED and ESL programs discontinued
• Obviously, no free books, magazines or movies

The Free Library of Philadelphia website details the canceled programs, but also gives options for ways to help prevent the closing, or at least aid the libraries in re-opening sooner, if you live in the Philadelphia area.

From Free Library of Philadelphia:

1. Find your elected officials. Visit this interactive map and enter your zip code.
2. If a phone number is provided, call your legislator and encourage them to do everything they can to keep the libraries open in Philadelphia.
3. Download our suggested letter (you can enter your legislator's address on the letter), print it out and sign it. Don't forget to mail or fax it today!

Comments

[LifeIsBrief]

Although I don't use a library much anymore, but they need to be preserved. Look what happened when they got rid of the library at Alexandria: The Dark Ages.

[JulieDole]

Pennsylvania - the Texas of the Northeast.

(I can say that, i grew up there. Very negative, fearful culture.)

[Sarannmick]

What's really sad it that by closing the libraries and cutting funding for other essential cultural outlets, the state of pa is going to lose BILLIONS of dollars, not only are they closing the libraries, the city must close smaller museums, cut funding for Fairmont Park and music and art initiatives. Who will want to come to the city and visit and not see one of the largest collections of rare books, hike or walk through fairmont park, and not to mention walk through a city that doesn't reek of garbage (pick-up has now moves to twice monthly).

I am ashamed to live in a state that takes art and culture for granted. This is not only happening in Philadelphia but state wide. What kind of future are we building for our children if they cant experience the awe and wonder of the Free Library Central Branch a building that alone is a staple of Philadelphia's past. I hope it can be resolved before the Doomsday Plan goes through.

[webgeek]

This is so sad.

[Smirk]

Yes, especially since Pennsylvania is where Ben Franklin formed the first public lending library in the US.

[JulieDole]

Good point, Smirk.

Too bad that sort of irony is lost on the legislature there.