Public Libraries vs. Government Shutdown

This whole government shutdown, to me, is pretty ridiculous, but I am thankful that I am still able to work while all this is going on.  I’m not one to argue politics on a regular basis, but when something this big happens, it’s hard to ignore.

I’m not sure how many people realize where public libraries receive their funding, some of our patrons were surprised to see us open this week.  Thankfully, we are currently “safe” while the government decides to act like petulant children.  But, in all reality some of our funding is provided by federal funds and through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (which in all intents and purposes is shutdown right now) and may be affected depending on how long this shutdown lasts.  Grants requests will be delayed as there is no one in the office to process the requests.  Another HUGE impact this shutdown has on library’s is the closing of the Library of Congress.  This also includes online resources as well as the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.  As I was looking into this, I found that the Free Library of Philadelphia’s webpage for this service is still active, so here’s hoping that regionally this service is still being provided to patrons, but it does affect new offerings due to the Library of Congress’s shutdown status.

I found an interesting article on the Library Journal’s website about the government shutdown and it was so nice to see the Mayor of DC going up to bat for public librarians, informing Congress and the Office of Management and Budget that they are as essential as police, fire, and teachers.  I’m excited that he’s willing to do that, not something every administrator would be willing to do for a library.  So, the DC Public Library remains open, offering services that people need and want.

Although, these are minor issues for public libraries, in all reality the federal government shutdowns affects people across the country and the world and it is my hope that this will soon be resolved.