Blogs

The history of the Evanston Public Library System is important (EPL) The South Branch survived the Great Depression and both branches have survived tough economic times. In these times library use goes up.  Mary

The following letter was written by Trish Stieglitz.

In the past week there has been growing support to preserve and expand the branch library system in Evanston. The new budget which is schedued to be voted on in Feb. calls for the closure of the branch libraries. Even though it is less than 1% of the entire Evanston budget.
If you would like to sign the petition please go to www.branchlove.org Write your alderpeople, attend city council meetings, pass on the petition to friends and let the council know your thoughts. PLEASE GIVE US YOUR IDEAS 

The writing is on the wall the North Branch will be closed. There are not enough votes on the council to save it.
What should be done?

Like the NU Wildcats coming back against the Auburn Tigers, Evanston's branch libraries have  survived numerous budgets. But ultimately, the Wildcats lost and the branches most likely will fall to the current budget crisis. Emails are flying back and forth with requests for volunteers and arguments about the valuable services the branches give to our community. The fact remains, however, that the budget for the branches only shows one revenue source- taxpayer dollars.

I am writing to let you know that while I am committed to finding a fiscally responsible solution to the City's current budget crisis, I am opposed to closing either of Evanston's branch libraries including, of course, the North Branch.

On Tuesday, December 21, Jane Grover (7th Ward Alderman) and I met with Connie Heneghan (the manager of the North and South Branches) and the staff of the North Branch library. We discussed the need to find a way of ensuring the continued operation and viability of the branches, not just this year, but permanently.

On Dec. 18, City Manager Wally Bobkeiwicz, released two documents outlining his recommendations to Council and City residents for the 2010-2011 cycle. Over the next two months the Council will devote most regular Mon. meetings plus additional Sat. and Wed. public meetings (see below) to discussing the planned cuts in personnel and services plus current deficits and debt.

Of particular interest to residents of the 6th Ward: 

 
From: Spells, Loyce
 Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 6:08 PM
To: Gay (Central-Hillside Neighbors); Gran (Princeton Neighbors); Magid (Colfax Neighbors); Marini (Noyes Neighbors); Robinson (Eastwood Neighbors); Yohanan (Hillside Neighbors)
 
Subject:
Burglary Alert: 2100 Block of Pioneer