Here is a letter we received from Alice Wells from Friends of Walnut Street West Library on the importance of supporting our local libraries.

Dear Library Friends, Community Members, Neighbors, Readers, Parents, Students and all who use and love our city’s libraries:

Philadelphia’s public libraries are STILL in dire straits. What budget and staff increases we began to see before the pandemic have been lost. Federal funds recently pumped into the City were not used to restore library funding! In short, unless we fight for them we will continue to see neighborhood libraries closed more than open because of continued understaffing.

The Citywide Friends group has met with the new Library Director and we are encouraged by his attitude and willingness to work with us. But only with every community member’s voice can he, and we, get the Mayor’s attention. We have been effective in the past but lost ground during the pandemic. The next city budget is being planned now. It is time to make all our voices heard! Libraries are Essential!

Please join with us this SATURDAY, February 19th at 11 a.m. for a citywide zoom meeting to make a plan for advocacy. (Register Here). We want your ideas and your continued commitment to keep our libraries jewels in the crown of this city.

For more details see our Facebook Event Page.

To attend the zoom meeting this Saturday Register Here.

If you can’t attend but want to be on our mailing list send a message to freelibraryfullfunding@gmail.com

Please share this event with your friends and neighbors.

Thank you.

Alice Wells
Friends of Walnut St. West Library
and Citywide Library Friends Advocacy Committee