April 7, 2010

People of Boston Branches Against BPL President’s Endorsement of Closing Branch Libraries

Boston – The People of Boston Branches is dismayed by Boston Public Library President Amy Ryan’s endorsement of a plan to close four library branches and lay off over 100 workers during the next budget cycle. The closing of any branch is a mistake, but the plan to close the Faneuil branch is the most concerning and flies in the face of public opinion. This plan comes after tremendous vocal and active opposition to the closing of this branch. The patrons of this branch have been one of the most active groups in organizing to prevent any branch closure, meeting with local representatives, and meeting with library officials. Nearly the entire public comment portion of Monday’s community meeting at Honan-Allston library, where community feedback was supposed to be gathered, was devoted to arguing for Faneuil to remain open. To close this branch is to openly ignore the voice of the people in this transformation process. It, as well as each of the other four libraries, is vital to the neighborhood that it serves. The voice of the people is clearly against these measures and the public is actively organizing to improve the library’s situation. As a representative of this voice People of Boston Branches will continue to lead the fight against these cuts.

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