Philadelphia Library's Budget is Spared

Image Credit: flickr - teachandlearn

After Mayor Nutter's threat to include libraries in his slashed budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year, the Free Library of Philadelphia can now breathe a sign of relief. Library lovers will still enjoy five days of service, instead of having to make due with a proposed cutback of only four days.

While the Library may be rejoicing, police and fire companies are not happy about the cuts to their departments. Also, the Library may still face a large cut in state aid, almost $750,000 worth.

Read more about the budget and its details in the Philadelphia Inquirer's article ("$47 million in budget cuts spare libraries", July 15th, 2010).

What are your thoughts on how Nutter has handled the budget situation? Are you willing to have a cut in police and fire programs to keep libraries more accessible?

Commentary in Philadelphia Inquirer

In today's Philadelphia Inquirer, author Marilyn Johnson writes a rousing call for communities to get behind their libraries ("Are libraries unnecessary?" July 9, 2010).

Johnson most recently wrote This Book is Overdue! How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All. She also came to the Free Library of Philadelphia a few months ago to talk about her book and the many librarians she met who are doing some amazing work in the world.

How refreshing to have a non-librarian, someone who isn't part of the profession, coming out and advocating for libraries! I wish more people understood the vital role libraries play in maintaining an informed, educated, democratic society.