Chicago’s 2012 Proposed Budget will have dire consequences for the Chicago Public Library, library users, and city residents if passed…
- Eliminating 32% of the Library workforce will cause library closings, delays in receiving ordered books, and inadequate customer service because the remaining decimated staff will only have time to shelve and maintain material flow instead of serving patrons. There won’t be children’s programs, story times, early literacy, book discussions, author presentations, and adequate reference service.
- Thousands of children and adults who visit the branches daily will have to wait in long lines to check out library items and to receive reference assistance.
- Shortages of librarians will cause erosion of the information services our public relies on. There won’t be sufficient bibliographic instruction, database training, and library tours for children and adults of all ages.
- Job searchers will lose out an entire 8 hour day during which they will not be able to use public internet stations, Wi-Fi, research assistance, and other library resources.
- Outreach to the communities and schools will suffer when remaining professional staff will be tied up in the library shelving, processing material, and just barely keeping the doors open. As a result, fewer children, teens, adults, seniors, community agencies and businesses will have a chance to learn about and take advantage of the library services and products.
Please call and write your alderman and tell them you value your local library!
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/about/council.html
