It looks like the L.A. Public Library has quickly backed off its proposal to charge patrons a buck a book for transfers between branches. The library apparently caught quite a bit of heat from people who strongly opposed the idea and the mayor blinked.
Turns out our mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, isn't on board, David Zahniser reports.That didn't take long. This is a good example of how the internet has changed things for politicians, both local and national ones. It's really hard to slip something through anymore without the whole country/world becoming aware of it...no more secrets.
"I didn't make that proposal. The library commission did," the mayor told reporters on Monday morning. "They didn't confer with my office when they did that. It may be that now that they see the proposals I have made, they may reconsider that."
Just hours later came the news that the head of the library, who got 800 e-mails from truly peeved book lovers, wants the Library Commission to drop the buck-a-book proposal. Which makes it almost a done deal.
It's true. We live in an age of ever-increasing transparency. It's a good thing.
ReplyDeleteSo glad. I favor public libraries being FREE.
ReplyDeleteHooray...the good guys won!
ReplyDeleteWe were due a little good news, guys. I wish we heard more of it...
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