By Keep Chicago Working/AFSCME Council 31
Thank you, friend of the Chicago public libraries! You are making a real difference.
Earlier this week we announced that library staff and supporters will hold the People’s Library Hours outside three branch libraries on Monday, January 23. The response was immediate and enthusiastic from library lovers like you all across Chicago.
[On Saturday] Mayor Emanuel also responded. He announced that he is altering his plan to shut down all branch libraries on Mondays – and that the branches will now be open on Monday afternoon.
Undoubtedly this is a step in the right direction. But we can’t stop now. Details of the mayor’s plan are still unclear, but we do know that less than half of the hours are being restored and less than half of the laid-off library staff are being called back.
That’s why it’s essential that we keep on speaking out in support of our libraries. Since the branches will still be closed on Monday morning, we will still be gathering for the People’s Library Hours this Monday at 10 a.m. Please be there with us at the Bucktown, Little Village or Beverly branch libraries for story time, hot chocolate, music and more. Click here for a PDF flyer with the details.
We’ll celebrate the progress we’ve made – and continue to press for a full restoration of library services, hours and staff.
We hope to see you there on Monday morning!
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ORIGINAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
This Monday morning at 10 a.m., library staff and supporters will gather in front of three branch libraries in three city neighborhoods – Bucktown, Little Village and Beverly – to hold People’s Library Hours with story time, hot chocolate, music and more.
Can you be there to help show that Chicagoans love their libraries?
People’s Library Hours
Monday, Jan. 23 at 10 a.m.
Bucktown Library, 1701 N. Milwaukee
Little Village Library, 2311 S. Kedzie
Beverly Library, 1962 W. 95th Street
Mayor Emanuel cut the Chicago Public Library budget and laid off 176 library staff. Then he unilaterally closed the branch libraries on Mondays. These closures and layoffs hurt all Chicago residents and neighborhoods.
This Monday morning, join us at the Bucktown, Little Village or Beverly branch. Together we’ll show that the libraries belong not to the mayor but to all the people of the city – and the people want their branch libraries fully open and fully staffed.
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See also:
* Tribune: City Libraries To Be Open Monday Afternoons
* Sun-Times: Emanuel Announces Plan To Reopen Libraries On Mondays
* Chicago News Cooperative: City Libraries To Reopen Mondays
* Newstips: Library Cuts Restored: Whose Victory?
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Comments welcome.
Posted on January 23, 2012