All the libraries in Philadelphia's Free Library system will cease to operate, effective end of business Oct. 2, 2009. This won't happen if the State Legislature passes a budget & 2 other things directly related to Philadelphia.
Consequences of the closure of the library system alone? The entire library staff, 699 people, will be laid off. Librarians there are restricting book lending in preparation for closures. No more holds.
A series of internet searches didn't provide much info. This was all brought to my attention by a friend of mine who works as a children's librarian in the Philadelphia Free Library system.
Found this in the blog comments on the Free Library Blog ---
Wed, September 09, 2009
My 86 year old mother lives in Philadelphia and heard the libraries and recreation centers are closing. Is this true?
pat - chicago
Thu, September 10, 2009
Thank you for your interest in the Free Library. Unfortunately, if the state legislature does not pass a budget and two provisions for Philadelphia shortly, the Free Library, recreation centers, Fairmount Park, and other city services will be closed as of close of business October 2, 2009. You and your mother can get additional information through the city's 311 service.
Jen W. - Philadelphia
While Pittsburgh faces some extraordinary challenges due to the pension fund problems, and the state's constant threat to not fund any fine arts organization hangs over our heads, we do not face what Philly faces right now. I wouldn't count us so lucky though.
Wed, September 09, 2009
My 86 year old mother lives in Philadelphia and heard the libraries and recreation centers are closing. Is this true?
pat - chicago
Thu, September 10, 2009
Thank you for your interest in the Free Library. Unfortunately, if the state legislature does not pass a budget and two provisions for Philadelphia shortly, the Free Library, recreation centers, Fairmount Park, and other city services will be closed as of close of business October 2, 2009. You and your mother can get additional information through the city's 311 service.
Jen W. - Philadelphia
While Pittsburgh faces some extraordinary challenges due to the pension fund problems, and the state's constant threat to not fund any fine arts organization hangs over our heads, we do not face what Philly faces right now. I wouldn't count us so lucky though.
Pay attention to how the state legislature manages this. Just because it's not Pittsburgh today, doesn't mean it won't be us tomorrow. I hope our local pols start working to solve some of our larger financial challenges before we reach the point of dependance on a state bail-out. Our sister city is facing something extraordinarily grim.
Can't believe Ben Franklin's town won't have a library system, and this soon. Visit http://www.library.phila.gov/to find out how to lend your assistance.
Can't believe Ben Franklin's town won't have a library system, and this soon. Visit http://www.library.phila.gov/to find out how to lend your assistance.
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3 comments:
but who plays his glass armonica anymore? we may still use bifocals, but people are reading words differently. this computer screen is burning my eyes, for starters.
Buy what thou hast no need of and ere long thou shalt sell thy necessities.
Benjamin Franklin
this computer screen fired by the electricity he tamed?
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