Camden Libraries

It seems to be a recurring theme: budget cuts leading to discontinued services. Unfortunately, in our area, this has greatly affected libraries. Recently, the City of Camden announced the closure of one of its three public libraries. The other two will be taken over by the County of Camden. The reason: Camden faces a $28 million budget deficit. Worst of all, this closure will affect those who can least afford it. The library to be closed is in an already declining neighborhood, called Fairview, which the Philadelphia Inquirer describes as a "low-income neighborhood." The library is a vital resource for the Freedom Charter School which is across the street and the many out-of-work neighborhood residents who do not have home internet access. Additionally, the Inquirer adds that, "After school and in summertime, the library is flooded with teenagers and children who use the library's books and computers for their schoolwork, or to check out web sites and e-mail their friends."

School libraries are facing similar budgetary pressures. Libraries play a vital role in education and quality of life for all residents - rich, poor, Latino, Asian, etc. Sadly, when library doors close, however, it's low income Americans who suffer most as they are not as easily able to turn to alternative sources for books, computer and internet access and tutoring.

You can read about the Camden library closure here: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20100907_Its_The_End_for_another_Camden_library.html

You can read about the Camden County library takeover here: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20100809_Camden_libraries_win_reprieve.html