Free Library Slated to Close on October 2; Continued Budget Woes to Blame

When Mayor Michael Nutter suggested slashing funds from the city budget late last year by closing 11 of Philadelphia's 54 libraries, waves of shock and outrage rippled through the city. Now, as state budget negotiations continue to drag on in Harrisburg, the entire Philadelphia library system is threatened. The Free Library has posted an announcement on its website stating that "without the necessary budgetary legislation by the State Legislature in Harrisburg," Philadelphia will be forced to close all of its libraries – including the main branch – on October 2nd. Earlier today the Inquirer further reported that "layoff notices could go out on Friday if the Legislature does not approve the city's request for a temporary sales-tax hike and a two-year deferral of payments into the pension fund."

The Free Library is encouraging Philadelphians to contact their elected officials and ask them to help keep the libraries open.