Chicago Budget Cuts Protest Accompanied by Librarians Read-In

There’s a lot of complaining going on in Chicago over Mayor Emanuel’s budget cuts. City librarians are pitching in with a read-in in front of the Mayor’s office to voice opposition to his plan to cut library hours, holding up “Boo to Library Cuts” and other messages of protest.

Children sat on the floor in their Halloween costumes as librarians held an interactive story time reading books such as “Go Away Big Green Monster” and “Bark, George”.

Jenny Vitzileos’ seven children, ages 1 to 14, were among the crowd who held up signs that read “We Shall Not be Shushed!” and “No Library Cuts, Don’t Lock Out Learning.” Vitzileos said her family has relied on the Irving Park branch for book reports and Internet access over the years.