[Fdu] Fw: Say NO to closing branches and cutting librarians

[Peter Fitting]

Say NO to closing branches and cutting librarians


     
      The first order of business of Mayor Ford’s handpicked Toronto Library Board was to cut 100 librarians and other staff.

      Even though there is not a single children’s librarian in the entire system and library staff has already been reduced by 10% since amalgamation of the City, the Library Board dutifully cut the budget by millions with little discussion. 

      Now, more destructive plans have emerged from the Board. 

      Among other things, they propose to close 38 neighbourhood branches of our public library and increase children’s overdue book fines by 150%. They would allow corporate sponsors to attach their names to prized and historic book collections and shut down the North York Central Library which circulates more than one million items every year. 

      Also on the table is a proposal to cut almost 20,000 hours of service which would close neighbourhood branches during evenings and on weekends when most people need their library. 

      I don't have to tell you how these massive cuts would be disastrous for users of the Toronto Public Library.

      We’ve got to make it clear that there is no gravy in libraries.

      Unless we send a clear and strong message right now that these proposals are unacceptable, Mayor Ford and company will get the idea that they are wearing us down and it's just a matter if time before they can cut our public library as much as they like. 

      We have drafted a new petition that will send your message loud and clear. When you sign a message will automatically be sent to the Chair of the Library Board with copies to your own City Councillor and Mayor Ford. 

      No one in the city will be left unscathed if such drastic plans are adopted. Neighbourhood branches in every corner of the city would be closed, service will decline to unacceptable levels and the best library system in the world will reduced to a shadow its former self. 

      Final decisions about the future of our public library rest with City Council which will be voting on budget matters in January. 

      Until those final decisions have been taken we must stay vigilant and stand up for the library we love. We could lose the world class library we now have if we don't. 

      That's why it is crucial for us to take action right now. 

      Please sign the petition and share it with your network. 



      Yours sincerely,

            
            Maureen O’Reilly 
            OurPublicLibrary.to 

      P.S. Even if you have taken action already it is crucial that we reject this latest proposal that will devastate our public library if it is adopted. Please take action now.


     
      OurPublicLibrary.to is a network of people dedicated to preserving the integrity of one of the world’s greatest public library systems, the Toronto Public Library and is sponsored by the Toronto Public Library Workers Union.

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