Affirming the importance of keeping Philadelphia public libraries open, and urging that all necessary measures be taken to ensure our libraries are fully staffed with evening and weekend hours.

WHEREAS, Public libraries are an important institution that should be present and accessible to every community. At the public library, the amount of money ones earns is of no consequence. Libraries offer free resources to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, and gives those from poorer backgrounds an opportunity to succeed; and

WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, the libraries have always been a place where children and families can gather to engage in their communities, become involved in a variety of educational programs, and seek knowledge from the many books their neighborhood libraries have to offer; and

WHEREAS, Many of the libraries in the Free Library of Philadelphia system used to be open six days a week, including Saturdays. Currently, in the Fall 2018, only 23 of the 54 public libraries are open on Saturdays, due to budget cuts. Recently, there have been talks that regional libraries will be closed on Mondays as well; and

WHEREAS, Libraries in low income communities face a disparity in resources. Curtailing the hours of regional libraries only exacerbates this problem and provides less access to the communities most in need; and

WHEREAS, The Free Library of Philadelphia has faced substantial budget cuts from the City over the last ten years, and despite efforts to restore operating funds and provide new capital investment, libraries have been struggling to staff and keep their doors open; and

WHEREAS, The Free Library of Philadelphia offers many services and programs that are beneficial to the communities they serve such as: adult education classes, career and services workshops, computer classes, early and adult literacy classes, Read by Fourth, and many more; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia should take all measures necessary to ensure our libraries are fully staffed and open with evening and weekend hours; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that the City

Council of Philadelphia, Affirms

the importance of keeping Philadelphia public libraries open, and urging that all necessary measures be taken to ensure our libraries are fully staffed with evening and weekend hours.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk is directed to forward a certified copy of this Resolution to the Office of the Mayor of Philadelphia as evidence of the support of this legislative body.

End