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Denver Public Library Denies Neglecting Poor AreasDenver Public Library City Librarian Rick Ashton appeared before a city council committee June 1 to counter a community group’s charges that the library keeps branches open 30% fewer hours in poor neighborhoods.A May 21 report by Metro Organizations for People (MOP) found that branches in relatively low-income areas are open an average of 29.5 hours a week, while those in more affluent areas are open 43.3 hours a week, the Denver Post reported June 2. Ashton told the public amenities committee that the report didn’t factor in the central library—which he says serves as the primary library for many low-income areas—or outreach services or bookmobiles. “The highest levels of outreach activities are in low-income areas,” he noted. “I don’t think that bookmobiles and read-alouds are substitutes for being open,” said Councilman Doug Linkhart. “They are a supplement.” Linkhart suggested library officials survey areas of the city to see where changes were necessary. MOP officials plan to meet with Ashton later in June. Posted June 4, 2004. |
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