Why Is New York City Planning to Sell and Shrink Its Libraries?

Defend our libraries, don't defund them. . . . . fund 'em, don't plunder 'em

Mayor Bloomberg defunded New York libraries at a time of increasing public use, population growth and increased city wealth, shrinking our library system to create real estate deals for wealthy real estate developers at a time of cutbacks in education and escalating disparities in opportunity. It’s an unjust and shortsighted plan that will ultimately hurt New York City’s economy and competitiveness.

It should NOT be adopted by those we have now elected to pursue better policies.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Resolution unanimously adopted by the Park Slope Civic Council on March 7, 2013 respecting Pacific Branch Library Targeted for Sale By BPL

The following resolution was unanimously adopted by the Park Slope Civic Council on March 7, 2013 opposing the Brooklyn Public Library’s plans targeting the Pacific Branch Library for sale.
Whereas the Park Slope Civic Council recognizes the historic value of the Pacific Branch Library of the Brooklyn Public Library, having requested New York City Landmark status for the building in 2004;

Whereas the Pacific Branch Library of the Brooklyn Public Library System is in imminent danger of being sold and subsequently demolished;

Whereas the Pacific Branch Library currently is well used by residents of adjacent communities and students in nearby schools that lack libraries and is an important resource to them; and

Whereas the Park Slope Civic Council is concerned that current library users would not be well served by the library's relocation to a site north of Flatbush;

Now therefore be it resolved that the Park Slope Civic Council Board of Trustees authorize the following actions on the part of the Civic Council:
    1.    Immediate resubmission to the Landmarks Commission of a Request for Evaluation of Landmark Status for the Pacific Branch Library,

    2.    Submission of an application for inclusion of the Pacific Branch Library on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 2013 list of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in the United States,

    3.    Public affirmation of the belief that the services provided by the existing Pacific Branch Library should continue to be provided in the current Pacific Branch location, thereby remaining in the neighborhood immediately served by the library, and

    4.    Collaboration with other organizations working to sustain the Pacific Branch Library, including active support of public forums and campaigns directed toward that end.

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