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An Open Letter to Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Libraries

Dear Mayor Emanuel,

I just finished reading several articles about the retirement of Mary Dempsey, and I realized it was time for me write you. This article in particular, Emanuel wants more summer library programs, has really tipped me over the edge from frustrated to complete and utter disappointment. I have several issues I want to address but first, I voted for you. I voted for you, donated to your campaign, and heartily encouraged others to do so. So now, here is why I am upset:

1) Libraries are not just for “the children”: Every time you speak about your support for libraries, your entire argument wraps around children. Youth services are extremely important, yes. But adults NEED library services too, especially in a large urban system. You need to remember that an adult librarian’s job is largely similar to a social worker - dealing with homelessness and the unemployed. Adults come to libraries to learn very important skills that are vital to a local economy - how to use a computer, apply for jobs online, develop their careers. Please remember that when you speak about libraries in the future.

2) When you cut services, services are CUT: this seems so obvious to me but every time you call for improved services on less, I realize that you don’t understand. You cannot lay off vital, paraprofessional staff, like check-out clerks and shelvers, and then expect professional librarians to have the time to run more programs. It is simply impossible. You are now paying MORE money to professional librarians, so they can do the clerical and VERY NECESSARY work. Might I suggest that in the future, when you look at areas to cut in libraries, you start looking at the top and not at the bottom?

3) What is this really about?: As the Sun Times stated, “the mayor’s October decision to single out a library system for 50 percent of the layoffs or the equivalent of 363 full-time employees — even though the system accounts for just three percent of city spending.” 3% of city spending. I know times are hard - things need to be cut. I am POSITIVE there are things that could be stream-lined and re-organized in the Chicago Public Library system. But who else is feeling this kind of burden? I have read about the tax breaks you are giving to corporations to come into the city - is this what it’s about? Or is this about showing that you’re tough on Unions? I genuinely do not understand why, instead of re-organizing, you are choosing to cut libraries by laying off essential staff and reducing hours.

I am confused and I am angry. I wish you had made your vision about libraries clearer in the election (i.e. “think of the children but more importantly, the bottom line”). I sincerely hope that with the appointment of Brian Bannon, you learn a lot more about what a modern library’s role is in a community because right now, one thing is extremely clear to me, you do not understand libraries. Either that, or you don’t care.

Sincerely,

Leah L. White