To the Editor:
I was thrilled last month when the Syracuse city libraries reopened Monday through Friday, 9 to 5. As one of few free services available in society today, our family of seven takes full advantage of a place to which to escape in all seasons of the year. The services it offers are the great leveler in our society in a time when we are very keen to champion equality: Any resident (age 5 and up!) can obtain a card and access books, magazines, movies, music, computer usage, etc., and a deeply needed sense of community. And the amazing librarians are essential to all these offerings! However, help is needed.
Our libraries have been long underfunded. During the pandemic, many staff were furloughed and now that the pandemic is over, many have not been brought back. This, despite, for example, the real need to have more help, particularly for the summer children’s programs…