Several Philadelphia Libraries To Cut Service

[Judi Lynn]

Several Philadelphia Libraries To Cut Service

Jan 20, 2005 9:10 am US/Eastern
PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Free Library of Philadelphia is converting 20 branches across the city to afternoon-only service as part of a cost-cutting reorganization.

Elliot Shelkrot, the Free Library’s president and director, says those 20 libraries will not have librarians.

Shelkrot says he plans to promote lower-level library employees to help the public.

Anyone with a request that those employees cannot handle will be referred to a nearby branch with a librarian on staff.
(snip/...)

http://kyw.com/news/local_story_020101156.html

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Already we've seen significant library closings in California and Florida. Looks like a trend, doesn't it?

[cedahlia]

1. This is terrible

I feel like I'm in some kind of weird bubble or something, because the library system I work for is actually expanding left and right...new branches, renovations, etc. And of course that means they're hiring people instead of laying them off, and we were actually fortunate enough to even get raises last year (although the year before there wasn't enough money for that.) And we're open every day of the week now--even Sundays!

But I know we are a rarity. Every other day I seem to be hearing about more and more systems doing just what Philadelphia is doing, and it is scary and depressing. Our patrons really do love their library, and they aren't shy about telling us, which is nice, but we do try to remind them, "well, you paid for it!" We're just lucky enough to be in an area where libraries are seen as a worthy, important recipient of tax funds. Who knows how long that's going to last though? I plan on going to library school for my MLS within the next 5 years, but in the back of my head, I wonder whether I will be able to find a job.

[UL_Approved]

2. Further crap from Bush

After the incident with Michael Moore, it looks like the libraries are being exterminated by the RW in secret. After all, its a little hard to argue with budgeting constraints.

The Neo-Cons are more savvy than thugs of days past. No open book burning will occur, just the quiet closure and elimination of people with knowledge.

Nothing in this world is more dangerous to tyrants than historical record. This is the eternal downfall of these people. If they can somehow erase history, they can move forward without much opposition.

The sword will strike both ways. These people got Michael Moore's stuff vindicated, and they will vindicate themselves. This fight will not be won in silence for too much longer. We just need to have it made public...