Free Speech Depends on Free Access to Information

A Call to Authors to Help Minneapolis Libraries

 

from Margaret Nelson Brinkhaus, Patricia Weaver Francisco, Arvonne Fraser, Judy Guest, Deborah Keenan, Lorna Landvick, Alison McGhee, George Rabasa, John Rosengren, Stephen Wilbers, Diane Wilson, and Warren Woessner

 

The Minneapolis Public Library needs our help. As authors, we, perhaps better than anyone, know the value of the written word and understand the need for it to be available to the general public.

 

We have a beautiful new Central Library--a regional resource whose value extends far beyond the city limits--yet not enough funding to keep it open beyond five days a week. We have community libraries within walking distance of nearly every resident, yet had to shut down three of those libraries because the 2007 budget approved by the city council cannot cover their operating expenses. Without adequate funding, the library becomes an endangered species, putting the vitality of Minneapolis communities at risk.

 

In May, the state legislature enabled the Minneapolis and Hennepin County Library systems' unification. Details of bringing the libraries together are now being worked out. A stronger library system will emerge through consolidation, however, Minneapolis libraries still need our help. The three shuttered libraries will reopen, but only for 20-23 hours a week. Other libraries will remain on their current limited schedule. Minneapolis will still have among the lowest number of library hours in the country. The fact sheet found below outlines the challenges our libraries face.

 

Please join us in spreading the word about the library's plight:

 

· Tell your readers the library needs their support. They are natural advocates. Take the opportunity to educate them at readings, during interviews, via e-mail--in whatever way you have contact with your readers.

 

· Contact your state legislators and, if you live in Hennepin County, your county commissioner. Thank them for supporting the consolidation and ask them to continue the search for funding that will allow all libraries to be open six days a week. You can find your state legislators on the legislature's website. The Hennepin county website also allows you to identify your county commissioner online.

 

· Sign up for regular updates on the library situation and advocacy opportunities, specific to authors. Contact ajolson@mplib.org.

 

· Join the Friends of the Library, if you have not done so already. By joining The Friends, you add your voice to over 5,000 other friends backing the library system. You can join online at www.friendsofmpl.org or by picking up a membership form at any Minneapolis Public Library.

 

· Pass this message along to other authors you know and ask them to reach out to their readers for support of the Minneapolis Public Library. Questions about this effort may be directed toward Adam Olson with The Friends at (612) 630-6159 or ajolson@mplib.org If enough of us make ourselves heard, we can save this valuable resource.

 

Thanks,

 

Margaret Nelson Brinkhaus

Patricia Weaver Francisco

Arvonne Fraser

Judy Guest

Deborah Keenan

Lorna Landvick

Alison McGhee

George Rabasa

John Rosengren

Stephen Wilbers

Diane Wilson

Warren Woessner

____________________________

 

Fact Sheet

Prepared by The Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library 

 

What's the situation?

 

A budget crisis has devastated the Minneapolis Public Library System. 2007 is the first year since 1911 that Minneapolis has had only twelve open public libraries.

 

In December 2006, three community libraries were shuttered. The remaining twelve are closed Sundays and Mondays, and only open two evenings a week. Minneapolis libraries have among the lowest number of operating hours in the country. This year, Minneapolis libraries are open about 484 per week; Saint Paul public libraries are open 692 hours a week.

 

Budget cuts are felt even when libraries are open. The budget for new books, once at the nationally-typical 12% of total spending, is now under 7%. Programs and staff members have been cut as well. These circumstances have impacted development of the Minneapolis Public Library's research collection, upon which libraries across the state rely.

 

After careful study and deliberation, state permission to consolidate the Minneapolis and Hennepin County libraries was sought by the city and county. The state legislature approved the consolidation in the last legislative session but the governor vetoed accompanying funds. Nevertheless, planning continues and it is likely the systems will begin to integrate in January 2008. Bringing together the Minneapolis and Hennepin County libraries will create a new, premiere library system across the county. It will be an invaluable resource for county residents and all Minnesotans. The Hennepin County Commissioners have an excellent record in supporting libraries - indeed, a Hennepin County library has never closed.

 

The City has pledged to fund the re-opening of the shuttered libraries, but only at 20-23 hours a week. The consolidation will not restore the Minneapolis library operating hours. The budget for new books will still be below average. Ongoing support for all public libraries is needed to build upon the consolidation's positive momentum. Our libraries need us now.

 

How did this happen?

 

Budget problems began in 2003 when Minnesota local government aid was drastically cut. The situation became critical with rising costs and the re-opening of libraries that were closed for remodeling. The Library Board held public forums to hear from Minneapolitans on the hard decisions ahead. It was decided to temporarily shutter three libraries (Roosevelt, Southeast, and Webber Park) and modify hours at remaining libraries. The City was unable to find dollars to prevent the closures. Because the new Central Library and community library remodeling was funded through a capital improvements referendum and private donations, construction costs are not responsible for the crisis.

 

What's at stake?

 

We need strong public libraries. Much more than a book depository, public libraries are our society's great equalizer. Libraries give everyone free access to information, entertainment, a wide range of classes, the internet, help with homework, small business support, and much more - all within a safe and supportive environment. Closed libraries mean limited access to these unparalleled community resources. Some believed Google would make libraries obsolete. The opposite is true. With every new way to find and use information, libraries become more relevant. Since 1994, library use has increased 61% across the country.

 

What can be done?

 

Letting elected officials know how much libraries mean to you is a great starting point. Also, communicating the library's broad social role to the public at every opportunity is important. Public libraries should be included in the discourse around alleviating illiteracy, homelessness, the digital divide, and all forms of inequality. Because restoring service hours and funding for new books at Minneapolis libraries will occur slowly, staying in touch on this developing situation is important. Please contact The Friends to receive regular e-mail updates, specific to authors. Sustained public support has made an immeasurable difference in the past and it is our greatest asset toward restoring library service in Minneapolis and all of Minnesota in the future.