Fenty Announces Funding to Keep Libraries Open Seven Days a Week
Washington, DC-Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Chief Librarian for the DC Public Libraries (DCPL), Ginnie Cooper, announced today that funding has been identified to maintain library branch hours for Fiscal Year 2009.
“Public libraries serve as a resource, gathering place and anchor in our communities,” said Fenty. “Residents can rest assured that they can continue to access all of DC Public Library’s resources seven days a week next year.”
The Mayor located funds after DCPL reported that its budget for FY 2009 would require libraries to close one day a week in order to stay within budget. The approximately $2 million needed to keep DCPL open seven days a week will come from debt service savings.
“We were delighted to see how swiftly the Mayor responded to the need for additional funding,” said Cooper. “This funding will allow library staffing levels to remain the same next fiscal year. This funding means that these libraries will be remain open seven days a week next fiscal year.”
In addition to traditional library resources such as books, DCPL has internet access, literacy programs for adults and serves as a meeting place for community groups. DCPL is the first public library in the country to provide books on tape that are iPod and MP3 compatible. For more information on library hours, services and locations visit www.dclibrary.org.
