Authorizing Council's Committee on Education to hold hearings concerning the Free Library of Philadelphia's policy on "floating collections," in order to ensure the preservation and continuing enhancement of the unique and historical collections of local neighborhood libraries.

WHEREAS, The Free Library of Philadelphia has proposed a policy of “Floating Collection” which allows libraries to redistribute materials shared by branches without first returning them to the home branch, which may result in the loss of the material to the home branch, as well as in the unequal distribution of books throughout the various branches; and

WHEREAS, The sharing and dispersal of information and literature throughout the Free Library of Philadelphia system is important; however, the contributions of local neighborhood library Friends Groups and others should be honored with the preservation and return of their unique literary materials to the home libraries; and

WHEREAS, Particular neighborhood libraries house special collections and maintain materials relating to the specific history, interests and needs of their regions or neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, Friends of the Free Library groups exist to support their particular local library and to purchase materials requested by the patrons of that library; including donations by the Friends with the specific intention to enhance the collection of their local branch; and

WHEREAS, The proposed “Floating Collections” policy could diminish the support for the purchase of local library materials and the ability to obtain endowments and support by the local Friends groups; now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby authorizes Council's Committee on Education to hold hearings concerning the Free Library of Philadelphia's policy on “floating collections,” in order to ensure the preservation and continuing enhancement of the unique and historical collections of local neighborhood libraries.

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