I received this message out of the blue, and for anyone else who values their local public libraries, I hope it scares you as much as it scares me. Apparently the chair of the board of trustees for the Providence Public Library has announced plans to close most of the cities libraries. Why? She says libraries aren't about the buildings.
I'd like to see a library function without its building. As the people who have rallied to save the libraries have pointed out, a library isn't "just a book warehouse."
We couldn't function without our building, and our building is a file cabinet in the basement of a coffeeshop. Even just that means a lot for a community. Now add on all the things Providence's Public Libraries will also take away, and you end up with kids without places to do homework, people without internet access unable to access even basic information, fewer venues in the city for public use, not to mention all of the jobs and education opportunities lost.
Please read this letter below, do something about it if you can, or at least repost. What would you do without a library? Post your response in the comments, or just sit and think about it long and hard.
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I'm writing to let you know about The Library Show, a big art event happening this June in Providence, Rhode Island. Most of the city's libraries are in danger of closing as early as this summer, and in order to stop that from happening we're turning one of the city's
coolest galleries into a makeshift library branch.
It's a combination group gallery show, music event, lecture series, workshop series, and film event, and we thought you might like to be a part of it.
There's all kinds of ways you might be able to help. In order to make the space into a branch, we're asking for donations of magazines (and books) for people to look at while they're at the events. You'd only have to send one copy if you wanted, it's a good way for lots of people to see your magazine, and it also associates you with a worthy cause.
If you think the show sounds like something you'd really like to ally yourself with, we're also looking for sponsors. This would be a great chance to support a literate audience with a wide range of backgrounds. There's a number of sponsorship packages available, and you can check those out at www.notaboutthebuildings.com/sponsors.html
Of course, you could also cover or review the show or any of its artists/performers. The more publicity we get, the more likely six library branches might stay open.
If you've got any questions, feel free to call or e-mail. To learn more about what's going on, check out our website, www.notaboutthebuildings.com
Thanks,
Matthew Lawrence
matthewrlawrence (at) gmail.com
