Libraries are priceless

COVID-19 arrived and Norfolk’s revenue has taken a huge hit. The Norfolk Public Library has been decimated in the name of budgetary restraints. Did no one advocate for it? Neighborhood branch libraries are needed more than ever now. And the Norfolk Public Library should have been showcasing all the resources its website offers — perfect during a quarantine and all free!

Two anchor branches are reopening. Ten neighborhood branches continue to be shuttered. Slover Library is also opening but is not part of the Norfolk Public Library. Sixty-one full-time staff of 251 full- and part-time employees remain. All of the part-time staff, approximately 150 have been let go, and their positions totally removed. One wonders whether the city plans on reopening any of the neighborhood branches.

The two anchor branches had three months to prepare and are opening with only “Grab-n-Go” service. Why aren’t shelf browsing and limited use of the computers allowed? There are ways to open with more services and remain safe. Restaurants, grocery stores and big box stores have figured it out.

A casino is not going to add value to the health of this community. A “surprise” paid holiday when the budget demanded the loss of so many employees did not do service to this community. Our libraries do provide invaluable services to this community. These recent decisions do not bode well for Norfolk or the Norfolk Public Library.

Geriann Beck, Norfolk