Public Libraries: Do you want the good news or bad news first?
Okay. Here's the bad news. As if Buffalo doesn't have enough problems, the long-promised closing of Erie County's branch libraries (20 of 52) is fast approaching. Some of the communities are hoping to come up with the funding that will allow them to drop out of the county system, although they will continue to be taxed for services that they no longer receive. However, it's unlikely that some of the less well-off neighborhoods can afford such an admirable, but expensive plan. Sadly, Buffalo is only one of several communities looking into closing its public libraries, and of those that don't, several are shrinking hours, eliminating librarians, and cutting book funds. As a graduate of UB's fine MLS program and someone who dearly loves the city, I'm frustrated, disappointed, and very, very sad.
And here's your good news. After a lively public battle over library funding (that's right library funding), Philadelphia, the birthplace of the public library, is restoring funding to its 54 branch libraries. The Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia did an outstanding job at reminding the city why libraries are so necessary to living communities.