#lexpublib

[studiod3z]

Adam made me flowers on the 3D printer ☺️ #lexpublib #northsidelibrary

[babble-drabble]

The product of our Manga 101 program. #lexpublib #discoversummer #manga101 (at Lexington Public Library)

[babble-drabble]

I REALLY liked this one. I thought her writing was much more measured and thoughtful than Wishful Drinking. #carriefisher #shockaholic #books #amreading #lexpublib #ect #mentalillness (at Lexington Public Library)

[babble-drabble]

Tragically, I did not like this book as much as I should. #saynotomemes #books #amreading #feminism #phoeberobinson #lexpublib (at Lexington Public Library)

[babble-drabble]

LOVED this book. #roxanegay4lyfe #roxanegay #difficultwomen #books #amreading #lexpublib (at Lexington Public Library)

[hippiefemme]

This is the link to the calendar for October/November 2011.

In October and November, there are approximately 200 programs specifically for children. About fifteen of the 200 are on weekends (Saturdays). About thirty are on weekday nights (Monday to Friday, 6pm or later). So, approximately 155 of the 200 children's programs are during regular working hours (Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm).

One of my peers tried to argue with me that public libraries absolutely do not gear their programming toward upper or middle class patrons. I argued that they do. She rebutted that surely the children (birth to age 4) would be home with an adult who could take them to the library or with a daycare center that could go. When I was that young, during the day I stayed with my grandmother, who couldn't drive even if she had a car, which she didn't because my grandfather took his to work. After she remarried, my older sisters watched me, and they were too young even to have learner's permits. I wish we lived in a world where children always had an adult at home to take them to the library for these programs, but most of us don't.

I think the numbers speak for themselves, but people--even librarians, who are supposed to assist in the education of all members of our society--don't think about this issue.

I'm not trying to pick on the Lexington Public Library. Because it is such a stellar library system, I use it as an example of how even the best public libraries fall victim to this problem. How is it fair to punish children whose parent(s) must work during regular hours? Children from lower income families already lag behind peers in terms of vocabulary. Making it nearly impossible for them to attend the programs only increases the divide.

* Village Branch offers "Homework Help" Monday through Thursday from 4pm-8pm. Because this isn't a targeted program for children, like storytime, it is not included in my total, but it is appreciated.