And they wonder why we have such a low literacy rate?!?

Effective October 2, 2009 the City of Philadelphia will not have the funds to operate their neighborhood branch libraries, regional libraries, or the Parkway Central Library. That's right, you heard me, the State Legislature did not give them enough funds to keep the libraries open and thus the public libraries are closing down. Does this sound familiar at all? Does everyone remember when the Seattle Public Libraries were all closed down for a week of Monday, Aug. 31 through Sunday, Sept. 6 due to, yes you heard it here, budget cuts. Are we headed down a path similar to that of Philadelphia?

Yes I know these are hard times, I know budgets around the country are being cut and purse strings are being tightened, but it breaks my heart to think that systems as integral to public knowledge, learning, and social programing as the public library system are being so cut back on that they are being shut down all together. I mean seriously people, in a country that touts needing better education and higher literacy standards, should we really being making it hard for our public libraries to stay open? WTF?

Thanks C for sharing this story with us!

Philadelphia Library Closing Announcement

Seattle Library Temporary Closing Announcement