I voted for Mayor Michael Nutter's and am generally happy with and sympathetic to his job. I listened to his recent speech, regarding the need for and choices of budget cuts. I agree there is a need for 'belt tightening' and appreciate his statement that we must be thoughtful about needs and goals, but... I feel outrage that so many cuts are targeted toward children and those folks dependent upon shared assets and common good. We will not 'save' the city if it is at the expense of children who depend upon recreation centers, swimming pools and libraries. Further, when one looks at the rec centers and libraries targeted for elimination, they seem to be those in poorer neighborhoods and include some that were recently renovated. I ask everyone to think sincerely and compassionately about real needs and best possible futures and to contact Mayor Nutter asking him to rethink cuts that may lead to more harm than good. Most of us would define real needs as FOOD, CLOTHING & SHELTER, followed perhaps by ART-CULTURE-EDUCATION and PUBLIC and other TRANSPORTATION. Most of us would also prefer making things more efficient and eliminating redundancies to the permanent closing of services that we have relied upon for years. When I imagine our best future it includes better education and training for Children, to raise them up to be capable and contributing Adults. Our Public Schools are a work-in-progress. Many do not have adequate libraries. The Comegys School, near the Kingsessing Free Library, does not have a Library. It seems short sighted and cruel to close the Kingsessing Library. Children love it. Children use it. Children need it. It has a nice computer center. It is giving poor kids a window on the world and access to books that inform and inspire. The staff seems competent and committed. It works! Please call or write mayor Nutter (215) 686-300 and call or write Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, (215) 686-3418, or -3419. Ask both to save our Library. I have not had time to check out the following website, but I saw a flyer for: www.SaveKingsessingLibrary.com while I was enjoying a delicious coffee at the Satellite Cafe. I hope it is a useful tool. I felt good knowing that folks are already reacting to the announcement in support of a Library which does much (book clubs, after school activities, safe haven, life long learning, respite reading, etc. etc.) for so many. I love the many ways this neighborhood uses restaurants, coffee shops and List-servers to connect.
I think Kingsessing is another Carnegie Library, like the one at 40th Street, and thus may not be available for any other use. I am reminded of the skill and heroic efforts of Beth-Ann Johnson who helped save the Library at 40th Street and I fervently hope that she, and others like her, will get involved in saving the Kingsessing Library. All the best! Liz Campion _____________________________________________________________ Visa, MasterCard, AMEX & Discover. Compare Offers & Apply Online. Click here! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2121/fc/Ioyw6i3m2HXh7iaOX893jV6qGfMbq5S4I2dySJsLIz3iSfziyDjZan/?count=1234567890
