The public library, through its abundant and free services, played a key role in shaping 20th century America. By investing in public libraries, America was able to educate its citizens, strengthen its workforce, and support its entrepreneurs, researchers and free press. But now that could all come to an end.
A beast is on the horizon - a privatization beast - and it's after America's library systems. The private equity-owned company Library Systems & Services Inc. (LSSI) is headquartered in Maryland, but is gobbling up public libraries across the country (and the UK, too). In cities and towns throughout America, local officials are deciding whether to hand over their libraries to a private, for-profit company. Often this happens behind closed doors, with little community input and without knowledge of LSSI's record of failure. LSSI has taken over libraries in Oregon, Florida, Tennessee, Texas, Kansas and California. Will your town be next?
LSSI's latest takeover is a public library system in Santa Clarita, California and the residents are taking action ("Anger as a Private Company Takes Over Libraries," NY Times, Sept. 25, 2010). Simply put - public libraries should not be run for private profit. We're taking a stand in Santa Clarita - not just for the library system there, but for public libraries everywhere. Join the fight to keep public libraries public.
This diary was written and originally posted by my colleague Jessica Kutch at SEIU.org. I am proud to work for the Service Employees International Union.