Philadelphia Inquirer – Library advocates on Monday asked a judge to prevent the city from shuttering 11 branches at year’s end, closures they contend are illegal and endanger some communities.
“Libraries are no longer just depositories of book and magazines and other media,” plaintiffs’ attorney Irv Ackelsberg told the court. “(They are) sanctuaries of learning and safety for our children within the streets that hold many dangers for them.”
Mayor Michael Nutter plans to close the libraries beginning Thursday to help narrow an estimated $1 billion budget deficit over the next five years.
But Ackelsberg cited a 1988 ordinance that states “no city-owned facility shall be closed” without the approval of City Council. He asked the judge to prohibit the mayor from closing the branches unless council approves.
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