Petition to keep Fremont library open

By Heidi · October 12th, 2009 · 7 Comments

Correction: The public hearing at City Council Chambers is on Monday, October 26th at 5:30pm.

Members of Friends of Seattle Public Library will be petitioning outside the Fremont Library today from 1:00-2:30pm. The group is trying to raise awareness to the proposed cuts to Seattle’s library system, which already saw a week-long furlough back in August to save money.

Mayor Greg Nickels announced his proposed 2010 capital budget plan for the city last month. In an effort to address a projected $72 million revenue shortfall, this includes a 37 percent cut to the Seattle Public Library budget from the 2009 budget. The new cuts would mean reduced staff, resources and hours year round. The Fremont Library and 20 other branches would also be closed on Fridays and Sundays.

Friends of SPL Vice President Jennifer Johnson-Fong writes:

The proposed operations budget will impact all of our communities and neighbors who are relying on our libraries for computer access, job search resources, educational support, gathering spaces, programs and librarian assistance.

There are two upcoming public hearings to address the issue. One is this Wednesday, October 14, at 5:30pm at the Northwest African American Museum (2300 S. Massachusetts St). The next is on Monday, October 23, at 5:30pm at City Council Chambers (600 4th Ave). RSVP to advocacy@friendsofspl.org if you can attend either meeting.

More information can also be found on Friends of SPL’s blog.

7 responses so far ↓

1 wtalbot1 // Oct 12, 2009 at 2:38 pm

Thank you for the update as I did not realize this was being considered. However, given the dire situation of the city and state budgets I can understand the fiscal challenges we face and hard decisions required.

I always find here at work that just bringing problems to the table never works so I would love to explore what alternatives we can propose to the city instead of just protesting. I fully support that we need to keep the library open as much as possible, but would like to see more people working together on proposed alternatives to a real problem and sitting down to build alternatives.
2 barryfoy // Oct 12, 2009 at 4:17 pm

I would have been delighted and honored to attend on my beloved branch's behalf, but news of the event came too late. Unless you're doing a flash mob, most people probably need a little more advance notice. Please keep providing info on library-related events, but try to move it up a bit. Also, 23 October is not a Monday–please correct that meeting date for us.
3 Jennifer Johnson-Fong // Oct 12, 2009 at 5:40 pm

Thanks Barry, Apologies, I had a last minute chance to collect sigs in front of Fremont today so went for it. I wasn't able to notify Fremont Universe until this morning. You'll be happy to know that although I missed getting your signature you can still make a huge impact at either a budget meeting or emailing. That's 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26 at City Council Chambers 600 4th Avenue and this Wednesday as listed above. Next comment has a suggested message and councilmember emails. I really appreciate the public support shown today in Fremont. It WILL make a difference!
4 Jennifer Johnson-Fong // Oct 12, 2009 at 5:42 pm

A simple email message if you'd like to tell city council to save library hours
Suggested Email message:
Subject line: Save Library Hours
Suggested text: My name is…. I use the…..library. Please restore branch library hours.

Councilmember Emails:

Councilmember Jean Godden jean.godden@seattle.gov

Councilmember Sally Clark sally.clark@seattle.gov

Councilmember Tom Rasmussen tom.rasmussen@seattle.gov

Councilmember Richard Conlin richard.conlin@seattle.gov

Councilmember Tim Burgess tim.burgess@seattle.gov

Councilmember Jan Drago jan.drago@seattle.gov

Councilmember Richard McIver richard.mciver@seattle.gov

Councilmember Nick Licata nick.licata@seattle.gov

Councilmember Bruce Harrell bruce.harrell@seattle.gov
5 Gus // Oct 13, 2009 at 1:52 pm

Wouldn't keeping the library open 7 days simply mean that money is being cut elsewhere? All things being equal, I'd rather the library be open 7 days a week, but all other things are not equal.

What do you want to cut so the libraries can stay open on Fridays and Saturdays? Parks, Police, Transportation, Needle Exchanges?
6 cherylmurfin // Oct 16, 2009 at 1:13 pm

There’s a lot at stake in the this year’s general election. That’s why Fuse Washington and numerous other leading progressive organizations have teamed up once again to publish the online Progressive Voters Guide – a one-stop resource on who and what to vote for if you want to see real progress, rather than devastating regression on issues like fairness, equality (Ref. 71) and the economy (I-1033), in Washington. Get the guide, then vote for progress.
http://www.ProgressiveVotersGuide.org
Or, email info@fusewashington.org
7 cherylmurfin // Oct 16, 2009 at 3:13 pm

There’s a lot at stake in the this year’s general election. That’s why Fuse Washington and numerous other leading progressive organizations have teamed up once again to publish the online Progressive Voters Guide – a one-stop resource on who and what to vote for if you want to see real progress, rather than devastating regression on issues like fairness, equality (Ref. 71) and the economy (I-1033), in Washington. Get the guide, then vote for progress.
http://www.ProgressiveVotersGuide.org
Or, email info@fusewashington.org