I live in Forest Hills in New York City and am a regular patron of the local library branch, which is part of the Queens Public Library system. Because our finances at home are tight, I generally get most of my books at the library, including most of the new releases. Unfortunately, because of steep budget cuts proposed for 2012, the library is no longer buying new books. It is also proposing to shutter most branches for all but a couple of days during the week and on weekends. While this has a direct impact on me, it has a devestating impact on the community in general. Libraries are key. They are key to people who love to read, key to people who like me cannot afford to buy many books, key to engendering a love of reading in people, key to providing social services. . . in short key to our livelihood and future as a society. It is unfathomable that such a vital resource faces such a bleak future - 27% of its funding or $23 million cut just like that, 424 employees or 52% of its workforce (devestating to them immediately) laid off, service to countless number of people, including many needy people, cut off. I don't understand how NYC government could in good conscience allow this to happen. Our priorities are just plain wrong, and if you agree, here's where you can help.
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