On Feb. 23, Anne Keene was one of the Sheridan Elementary fourth graders who braved the cold evening weather to stand outside the South Branch Library and protest its forewarned closure.
CORY MATTESON / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Friday, July 3, 2009 12:00 am
On Feb. 23, Anne Keene was one of the Sheridan Elementary fourth-graders who braved the cold evening to stand outside the South Branch Library and protest its forewarned closure.
Then, she held a neon orange sign with stern lettering: "Save our libraries."
"I just love the library," she said. "And some day I hope I can take my children here."
On Friday at the library, Mayor Chris Beutler announced the library would remain open if his proposed 2009-2010 budget is approved.
And city officials unveiled a photo taken that February day with a caption that read, "Mayor caves in to demands of angry protesters."
Keene, 10, was with many of the girls, now rising fifth-graders, who protested in February. She held a different sign Friday with the words "Thank You!" flanked by thank-yous in 20 languages.
Beutler said Friday his proposed budget calls for $392,730 to keep South and Bethany libraries open. Another $178,753 is set aside to keep open four threatened pools - Ballard, Belmont, Irvingdale and Arnold Heights.
In February, the Library Board of Trustees discussed the possibility of closing Bethany and South as extreme cost-cutting measures. Pool closures have been discussed as well.
"No one wanted the libraries or pools to close," Beutler said. "But we are simply not generating enough revenue growth to keep pace with the increased cost of providing services."
But Beutler said city officials listened to residents' concerns and applauded the Sheridan students for their protest.
"When we don't agree with our government, we let our government know in no uncertain terms," he said.
The Lincoln City Council can alter Beutler's budget during meetings later this summer. The council votes on tentative budget changes July 20 and final changes Aug. 12.
Beutler said City Council members have worked to find revenue to keep the facilities open.
"They share my belief that a great city is more than roads and sewers, more than police and fire," Beutler said. "While those services are extremely important, they do not create community bonds or lift the spirit the way a neighborhood library or pool can."
City Council Chairman Doug Emery said his first foray into public work was volunteering to help save Bethany years ago. He said the girls' protest drew a slew of e-mails and letters in support of their cause.
"Thank you for standing up and making a difference," he said.
"I thought it was terrific to see a grassroots effort from our young people," Assistant Library Director Greg Mickells.
He remembered getting the call from the South branch staff that the girls were outside protesting the library's threatened closure. He drove by, as usual, on his way home. When he saw they were asking passersby to honk in support of the cause, he joined the deafening chorus on South Street as best he could.
"I'm a librarian - a couple light beeps," he said.
Reach Cory Matteson at 473-7438 or cmatteson@journalstar.com.