CUTS TO ROCHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES INEVITABLE; CITY RESIDENTS WILL HELP DETERMINE PRIORITIES

Rundel Memorial Library Building at the
Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County
photo:  Ove Overmyer

Rochester, N.Y. -- When the City of Rochester taxpayers decide on where it should put it's resources for the next budget cycle, we should never underestimate the vital role libraries play in our local communities.

photo:  Ove Overmyer

Rochester's public libraries serve our information needs by providing access to online resources and direct patron interaction. Every day, library services strengthen the economic stability and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Our public library buildings are also community anchor institutions, and bring immeasurable wealth and opportunity for all our residents of Rochester and Monroe County. Libraries are truly one of the best public tax investments ever conceived by government.

Over one-hundred years ago, Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of over 1,600 public libraries in the United States because he understood the critical role they played in the education and economic empowerment of the public.

Today with ten times that number nationwide, America’s public relies even more heavily on libraries not only to educate and retrain themselves, but also to make use of libraries’ no-fee access to the Internet to apply for jobs, use government services and to create small businesses.

In response to the economic downturn, many libraries have created additional workshops and training classes on specific employment related topics. By closing city branches and cutting services, libraries would not be able to provide their patrons with the tools they need to succeed in life. If that is the direction we take, then shame on us.

Library advocates recognize the fiscal challenges facing our city officials and elected representatives. And, the library community is making sacrifices just like every other entity. Nonetheless, we are confident that we will be able to collectively develop a budget that will allow us to maintain critical library services while not unduly eviscerating our quality of life. However, that won't happen if you don't speak up today on behalf of your local community library.  Make your voice heard.

Please attend one of the city sponsored "Voice of the Customer" budget sessions beginning April 20.  For more complete information, you can go here to the City of Rochester website or go here.

-Ove Overmyer
Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County
CSEA President, City of Rochester Library Workers Local 828 Unit 7420
CSEA VP, Monroe County Local 828

A library advocate holds one of the worksheets that citizens used at the second
"Voice of the Customer" budget session at the South Ave Community Center on
April 27.  The final neighborhood budget session is scheduled for May 2. 
photo:  Ove Overmyer