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Well-off library users in Denver are apparently enjoying longer library hours than poor people. TeleRead anyone? A national digital library system would be open 24/7 for all. Meanwhile here are details from the Rocky Mountain News about the inequalities:

Public libraries in Denver’s poorest communities are open 30 percent fewer hours than those elsewhere, a community group says, and it’s asking Mayor John Hickenlooper to change that.

Sanice Young, a parent leader for Metro Organizations for People, or MOP, released a report Friday that indicates seven libraries in Denver’s low-income communities are open, on average, a little less than 30 hours per week.

But 15 libraries in more affluent communities are open, on average, more than 43 hours per week the report said. The central library downtown was not included in the research.

“We want Mayor John Hickenlooper and the Denver Public Libraries to come up with a community literacy plan that addresses these inequities,” Young said.

City Librarian Rick Ashton said he asked for a meeting with MOP as soon as he received a copy of its report. He said library hours across Denver have been shortened because of the city’s budget shortfall.

Also, library hours are just one part of library services, he said. In low-income communities, the library focuses on outreach efforts, particularly for children and young families.

“That focus is on reading programs in Head Start and other early childhood environments, school visits by our staff . . . and general neighborhood and community outreach.” he said…

(Via LISNews and ResourceShelf.)

 
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