Providence Public Libraries Closing!
This thread has been closed and archived.
This discussion is public.
Original Post
Hey, heads up to those of you in Rhode Island. I'm a library student and just got an email from one of my fellow students saying that the Providence Public Library is planning to outright close 8 branch libraries, and cut it's staff at the main library drastically.
If you're a library lover, feel free to convo me, I have info about upcoming meetings to support the libraries, and to try to keep them from closing...
--Katy
Posted at 2:48am May 3, 2007 EDT
Responses
That is horrible! I can't imagine anyone getting away with closing a library. I hope you succeed in keeping it open!
Posted at 3:03am May 3, 2007 EDT
I know, it's really pretty horrifying, I was shocked when I found out...8 branch libraries?! If anyone does want more info, just let me know...I would hate to see it be a situation where people don't know about it and then after it happens and they try to go to a closed library they're like "hey where'd the library go?!"...
-Katy
Posted at 10:17am May 3, 2007 EDT
I'm not from Providence (though I'll see ya at the market!) but I would certainly like to help your cause...
Posted at 10:19am May 3, 2007 EDT
Lol, I'm not from Providence either, but since I'm a library student at University of Rhode Island, and this is the first I'D heard of it I figured there might be a lot of others out there who didn't know either!
First to go...libraries...lol the Patriot Act couldn't do it, maybe this will...
Posted at 10:29am May 3, 2007 EDT
the same thing is happening in mpls. here's your new gazillion dollar downtown library, now we're going to cut hours, staff, and close other branches. you're welcome!
Posted at 10:32am May 3, 2007 EDT
Well, the Patriot Act may have done it. I know my household and some friends' households buy (with cash) and trade books more often than we use the libraries because we know our library records are going on some federal watch list.
When I do go to the library, I read in there and don't usually check books out. So they may have a drop in recordable use since the Patriot Act.
Posted at 10:34am May 3, 2007 EDT
Gah that's awful Ericka...libraries, especially in urban areas, provide resources, not only to everyone, but notably to those who can't afford them...not just books, but information, including community information, internet resources and access, a place to go, places kids can go after school (preferable to many other options)...and the more they are supported by their community, the more they can become a place that reflects the community's needs for resources...
BUT THEY HAVE TO STAY OPEN FOR THAT TO HAPPEN...ack...!
Posted at 10:35am May 3, 2007 EDT
