In Philadelphia, Mayor Faces Criticism Over Library Closings
Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 12/2/2008
- Mayor unswayed by pushback
- Internet access would be provided
- Could private groups run libraries?
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, defending proposed budget cuts in a series of town meetings, has come face to face with city residents critical of plans to close 11 of 54 branches of the Free Library of Philadelphia. At a meeting last night, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Nutter seemed unswayed by chants of "Let us read" and "Save Engine 6."
Free Library Deputy Director Joe McPeak, according to the Philadelphia Bulletin, said the city would still have the most libraries in the country. (Presumably he meant per capita.)
He also said that the city would compensate for the loss of branches by offering Internet access in recreation centers and elsewhere. One resident, according to the Philadelphia Daily News, suggested that volunteers be used to run branches—surely a plan that would be challenged by the library union.
Possible solutions
The New York Times reported last week that not only would a charity step in to run three Philadelphia ice rinks scheduled for closing, but that the city was “also in discussions with private organizations about their taking over management of the swimming pools and libraries scheduled for closing.”
Nutter spokeswoman Maura Kennedy told LJ today that the city could partner with multiple organizations to deliver Internet access or afterschool help. However, she could offer no more details about private groups managing libraries, noting that the topic was in “preliminary talks.”
The Inquirer reported last Thursday that the library's Friends group has asked "corporate, philanthropic and university leaders" to help raise $8 million to keep the branches open and, even if no money emerges, proposed that the buildings be used as "community learning centers, underwritten by corporations."
The Inquirer also reported today that a new poll showed that city residents by a 6-1 ratio favored city services over low taxes, indicating a willingness to pay more to avoid service cuts.
