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Local indy journalists weigh in on the Philadelphia free library closing

by | 09.17.2009

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.

"Philadelphia Libraries Closing October 2nd - All Of Them"

"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.

Read more at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/15/philadelphia-libraries-cl_n_287745.html"

See also:

"SAVE FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA!"
by local blogger Isa Nakazawa, who writes,
"...I hope to shift the focus momentarily to the tragic closing of ALL Free Library of Philadelphia branches (regional and central libraries) effective October 2, 2009. How we find ourselves in a position to fight for our public LIBRARIES to stay open is frankly beyond my human capacity for understanding. While we indulge in the excesses of mediocre video music award shows (and the drama/trauma they induce), the Pennsylvania State Senate once again fails to pass a budget. Excuse my cliche guilt trip but I am perplexed by our upside down priorities and the ways in which “economic recession” create convenient opportunities to close down schools and libraries...."

Read her blog piece at:
http://bugginout.wordpress.com/2009/09/15/save-free-library-of-philadelphia/

and lastly,

"Don't Let 'Elites' Lock the Doors to the Library"
by Kenneth C. Davis
Read more at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kenneth-c-davis/dont-let-elites-lock-the_b_288426.html