American LibrariesSearch American Libraries  |
||
Site Navigation
Left Sidebar ItemsOnline Features
|
||
Philly Folks Fight for Library BranchResidents of Philadelphia’s struggling South of South neighborhood want a new library and computer lab despite reluctance by Free Library of Philadelphia administrators to add a branch. Frustrated citizens held a sidewalk rally May 12 in support of their plan to restore a vacant former post office building for the library. According to the May 17 Philadelphia Daily News, a developer is ready to rehab the building, lease it to the city, and hand it over for a dollar after 16 years. Residents plan to raise money to furnish it. Library officials noted that the nearby Queens Memorial branch services that neighborhood. “But to get to that branch, children have to cross a huge, industrial highway,” resident Joan Forman told the News. Library director Elliot Shelkrot said that new branches typically cost over $500,000 a year to operate. “We can’t build a library for every turf,” Shelkrot said about the proposed South of South plan. “Our staff is gathering information and is looking at the various issues involved.” Posted May 21, 2001. |
Right Sidebar
|
|
