For more than two years the Galewood-Montclare Library
has been confined to an approximately 500 square foot room with only
four book racks, three tables and two librarians’ desks. There are no
computers, no wireless internet access, and the library is not open evenings or weekends. But community residents are demanding change.
Yesterday, members of the Galewood Residents Organization launched the “Check Out” Program,
a month-long grassroots effort to increase the library’s circulation
and raise awareness about the community’s need for a library upgrade.
Residents are encouraged to rent as many books as possible (up to 30 for
each person) in the hopes of checking out every book in the library.
“We
know that there’s some budget issues and we’ve been patient,” said Neal
Wankoff, member of the Galewood Residents Organization, who called the
Galewood-Montclare Library “unusable” in it’s current state.
“We’re going to just keep making noise until they can’t ignore us anymore. We are not satisfied with this library,” he said.
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The American Federation of
State, County and Municipal Employees, AFSCME, which represents city library
workers, is calling on the city to return to a 48-hour operating week for branch libraries. Also, AFSCME wants the city to
rehire more than 100 laid off Chicago Public Library employees. 