Statement before
the Glenn
A. Walsh
Council of
the
Carnegie Library’s Electronic Mail: < gaw@andrewcarnegie.cc >
Plan to Close Internet Site: < http://www.andrewcarnegie.cc >
Branch Libraries 2009
October 14
Good morning, I am Glenn A. Walsh
of
For several years, I have come to this podium to complain about
Carnegie Library. After yesterday’s comments by Mr. Peduto, I find I must
defend Carnegie Library.
Mr. Peduto, for the last decade Carnegie Library has done exactly what
you wanted them to do—despite my opposition! They have had two library
directors who are business managers not librarians. And, this is despite the
fact that Title 22 Section 141.21 of the
Carnegie Library has attempted, with limited success, to raise private
and foundation funds to run the library system. Well, the results of this 10-year
experiment are in, and they were predictable.
Foundations are happy to provide capital funds, which help an
institution attract more visitors. In the cases of the Zoo, National Aviary,
and Phipps Conservatory the increase in attendance results in much greater
earned income. This cannot happen with public libraries.
And, foundations are very resistant to provide any institution with direct operating subsidies. The funding model
of the Zoo, National Aviary, and Phipps Conservatory does not work and cannot
work for public libraries!
As Andrew Carnegie realized more than a century ago, to be successful, public
libraries must be funded by the public.
Thank you.
gaw