Why Public Libraries Matter
“One of the most subversive institutions in the United States is the public library, where citizens can find a fount of knowledge for personal growth.”
~bell hooks, Rock My Soul
For as long as I can remember the public library has been one of the few places where I could be comfortable in my own skin; alone, learning, reflecting, writing, and being still. At first my use of the library was out of necessity; in high school the number of books we had to purchase was ridiculous so I would save money by borrowing. But it was impossible to simply grab a book and walk away. If I wasn’t signing up for a workshop or doing homework I was browsing books in new topics I was interested in. And, most importantly, I was being left alone to enjoy it—mom had no problem with me being in the library until it closed and no one interrupted me.
Fast forward a few years and my relationship is the same. The library is my refuge and wherever I live and work it is one of the first things I look for.
So you can imagine my anger when I received word the unless the PA Senate acts immediately ALL public libraries in the city of Philadelphia will be closed on October 2nd. While I no longer live in Philly, I frequented its libraries with the same excitement as I do in my hometown.
Shutting down libraries limits citizen mobility and civic engagement. We aren’t just lamenting the loss of books (which is bad enough), we also risk losing safe public spaces for community meetings, workshops on everything from job hunting, resume writing, to building a small business, school trips, and most importantly, personal growth.
Eliminating these resources is simply reprehensible. And in one of the largest cities in the country this kind of loss will inevitably be tragic.
In Pennsylvania? Contact your legislator and call them out on their foolishness.
Not in Pennsylvania? Support YOUR library. Let’s make it clear how much we value our libraries. Donate, volunteer, or lend your voice.
Enjoy this post? Share and tweet your support #savethefreelibrary
Update: A budget was passed and the libraries have been saved. If you read, tweeted, called, or shared THANK YOU! Read more here: http://bit.ly/rqjXf
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Not in Philadelphia, but I couldn’t agree more about the library. My 3-year-old chooses ‘library’ as his ‘special treat activity’ whenever he’s owed a reward. He has memorized where his favorite book sections are, and I can’t imagine trying to parent (or do many other things) without a free public library to help!
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