Free Library of Philadelphia Will Stay Open

[ccharles000]

By a vote of 32 to 17, the Pennsylvania State senate passed a bill last week that will keep the Free Library of Philadelphia system open--sparing the jobs of 3,000 employees and preventing a complete closure.

GalleyCat reported on the looming closure last week, an unhappy event that would have affected all branches, regional library programs, and classes including after school programs, computer classes, and adults programs. More than 2,000 concerned patrons wrote to the legislature, urging lawmakers to keep the library open.

Here's more from the release: "countless others made calls and sent emails underscoring how important public libraries are to the economic, educational and social life of our city. We also thank our incredible library staff, who despite the threat of imminent layoffs continued to provide excellent service to the thousands of people who use one of the 54 libraries in our system."

http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/trends/free_library_of_philadelphia_will_stay_open_136332.asp?c=rss

[Patchuli]

1. From a library professional, K&R BABY!

I was shocked when I read of the closings...

[hobbit709]

2. The ghost of Ben Franklin must have had a discussion with them.

[jotsy]

3. These are much better tears I cry for the city of brotherly love!

tyvm

[gatorboy]

4. Who are the 17 idiots that voted against a library?

[KamaAina]

9. Repukes, I'd imagine

:eyes:

[Nikki Stone1]

5. What a relief!

Thanks for posting.

[Peacetrain]

6. Thank God!!!! K&R

[ThatsMyBarack]

7. I'm a library tech-services clerk, so....

:woohoo: X 10!

[Liberal_in_LA]

8. good news

[Justitia]

10. YAY! As a Philly native, I found this hugely disturbing. -eom