Free Library of Philadelphia: Goals for 2007-08

Following the public outcry when faced with shuttered libraries in 2005, City Council made it possible to keep all 54 branch library doors open by breaking a five year hiring freeze with a vote to increase spending for the Library's general operating fiscal year 2006 budget by $3.5 million. The Free Library faces an increasing demand for more information and educational resources daily. Approximately 41% of Philadelphia's residents are on the wrong side of the digital divide being without home computers. The library is their sole recourse for accessing information technology. Those of us fortunate enough to have the means and skills rely on the library to help us with the vast number of computer programs that it takes to stay educated, current and competitive.

Goals of the Free Library:

• Access: continue city-wide access with 6 day per week open hours, staffed with 2 accredited librarians at each branch - increase patronage by 10%. Tracking numbers show that library usage significantly declines when hours are reduced.
• Materials: increase print materials in English and in foreign languages, English as a Second Language (ESL) materials to service the increasing number of non-English speaking residents, increase current level of computer programs. Updated Materials Selection Policy.
• Librarians: train future librarians with federal grant funding and attract them to Philadelphia to help alleviate the nationwide shortage of degreed library professionals.
• Programming: defined by current and ongoing social and educational needs - English as a Second Language workshops and classes for patrons and training for library staff; Crisis of Youth Violence - forums and programs; Books Aloud - training parents and care givers in school readiness for toddlers; LEAP - homework aid for all school age children which is particularly significant for those attending low performing public schools without libraries; Closing the Digital Divide with introductory computer courses at branches.
• Technology: increase capacity with wireless access

Funding Needed:

• Staffing - increases current actual staffing level by 4
  • FY 07 budget authorized positions - 739; 725 actual filled positions due to 2 yr. test cycle schedule and nationwide shortage of degreed librarians.
  • FY 08 authorized staff positions - 729.
• Materials - 10% increase or $396,550 in class 300 for materials including books, DVDs, tapes, periodicals to keep pace with inflation and accommodate increased demand

City Council:

We have asked the City Council to help meet these goals through an increase to the budget. We hope you will do the same. View our letter to City Council members for more information.