Philadelphia Branches Get Reprieve until July
Mayor Michael Nutter has retreated—at least for the time being—from his plan to close 11 branches of the Free Library of Philadelphia. Four weeks after a judge ordered a halt to the closings, Deputy Mayor Donald Schwarz announced at a January 28 budget meeting that the branches would remain open at least through June 30, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported January 29.
However, it appeared that schedule cutbacks would be implemented to address the city’s budget crisis. Nutter spokesman Doug Oliver said it was uncertain whether the branches will operate on a three-, four-, or five-day-a-week schedule. And their fate after the fiscal year ends in June was unclear. “We are going to do everything in our power not to close any libraries, but I make no guarantees,” said Schwarz after the meeting.
“We are absolutely thrilled and we thank the mayor,” said Friends of the Free Library Director Amy Dougherty, who acknowledged that the branches still faced reductions in hours and possible emergency closures.
Posted on January 30, 2009. Discuss.