Chores, Responsibilities, and Destruction Of The 'Kings Castle' Myth

I think all men like the idea of being the king of their castle, but according to Maria, the idea of 'kings' running castles is a myth.

And I must say, I have been educated to know that if Maria said that it is a myth, then it is not simply a myth but kings are outlawed in our home in Los Angeles.

This whole idea has made me think about our life together and how much of a voice I actually have when I am in the 'Queen's Palace'. 

I think this video says it all. 

New York City Public Libraries May Operate THREE DAYS A Week.

Can someone please tell me why many government leaders at every level think that whenever there is a budget crisis on hand, that its time to cut library funding?

So, earlier this morning I was sipping my morning tea and reading one of the New York City local rags when I first read the article about how Mayor Michael Bloomberg unveiled a $66 billion dollar revised budget plan yesterday (Friday).

According to Council Speaker Christine Quinn, a possible mayoral contender, “library services will be cut by 29 percent, which means most branches would only be open three days a week.”

Are you kidding me?

Please say you are, because if library branches were to only be open three days a week in our nation’s biggest city with the largest population of children, we sure as heck are going to have a GIANT problem on our hands.

New York City with libraries closed four days a week? There are really no words that come to mind that can properly express the outrage and grave concern of this possibility. After all, we have a moral obligation to our children to keep our magical libraries open . . . just the way our parents helped build and sustain libraries that we all use today.

How big of a disaster is this going to be? The New York City has three independent public library systems. They are: The New York Public Library (which operates libraries in Manhattan, The Bronx, and Staten Island), The Brooklyn Public Library, and the Queensborough Public Library. Each library system has a central library and many local branch libraries. In fact, there are hundreds of local branch libraries – and from experiences I have witnessed with my own eyes, these local branches are substantially utilized by their local patrons.

Did I mention that if Mayor Bloomberg’s budget cuts are approved that there is a good chance our New York City public libraries will only operate three days a week? Well, it appears that this may be true.

This possibility must not be put anywhere near the table.

Our libraries are off limits. It is foolish to remove the one institution in our great city that is the truest, clearest, and most symbolic beacon of hope for mankind to enhance our own existence: our libraries.

Several months ago, I petitioned for the beautiful city of Los Angeles to pass ‘Measure L’, and keep our city’s libraries open. Fortunately, the citizens of Los Angeles overwhelmingly passed ‘Measure L’, and by doing so, actually increased the library’s operating budget to the point where local city branches should in the near future operate seven days a week.

It is inconceivable that the great City of New York and its three central libraries with their hundreds of local branches will operate only three or even four days a week if the mayor’s planned budget is adopted. But that is the reality if Mayor Bloomberg cuts this critically important cultural and learning institutions budget by 29%.

Our libraries are as vital an institution to our great city of New York as any other institution. We must not cut our library’s budget. We must not reduce operation hours and days. And we must not give up on ourselves.

We must keep our libraries open! After all, a book is a free ticket to anywhere in the universe, and our libraries are realm transporters that can take us anywhere.

I know I will do my best to keep our New York City Libraries open. I hope you will, too.

I think I am going to take a walk to midtown, say hello to Leo and Astor, stick my head into the great Map Room, and then walk up the marble stairway before visiting the Great Reading Room at the New York City Central Library on 5th Avenue. But not before I walk by my local branch on Columbus Avenue.

Peter Thomas Senese is a best-selling author and self-professed Librophiliac. He lives in New York and Los Angeles.

Save The Los Angeles PUblic Library

The Los Angeles Public Library System has faced dramatic operating budget reductions over the past few years, substantially limiting the library’s operations and services it offers the city’s patrons. On March 8th, 2011 the citizens of Los Angles have an opportunity to vote ‘Yes’ on Measure ‘L’ and have the city’s budget appropriate much needed funding for the city’s library system.

On March 8th, 2011 the citizens of Los Angeles will have an opportunity to vote “Yes” on Measure ‘L’ and keep the city’s revered cultural and educational institution open.

By voting ‘Yes’ on Measure ‘L’, the citizens of Los Angeles will have the opportunity to significantly impact the financially handicapped Los Angeles Public Library System, which in recent years has received inadequate funding from the city’s operating budget. The goal is clear: to reverse the already incomprehensible and highly detrimental damage done to one of the nation’s finest cultural and learning centers by halting the existing city policy that has caused dramatic library programming cutbacks and budget reductions – a trend that clearly will continue if Measure ‘L’ does not pass.

Author Peter Thomas Senese, a strong proponent of Measure ‘L’ commented, “It is critical for the immediate and long term future of the city of Los Angeles and for all who live here to vote “Yes” on Measure ‘L’. By doing so, we will keep our library doors open and accessible, adequately staffed, and capable of delivering much needed resources and programming that will serve the unique and large patron population that exists in our wonderful community. I urge everyone to support our libraries and vote ‘Yes’ on measure ‘L’.

Presently, the Los Angeles Public Library, with the Riordan Central Library and 72 branch facilities has been reduced to operating 5 days a week. According to various studies, if Measure ‘L’ does not pass, there is a distinct possibility that branches may only remain open 4 days a week. Already, the library staff – gatekeepers of knowledge and information – has been cut by 28% this past year. Similar to a very real potential reduction in library hours if Measure ‘L’ fails, it appears certain that there will be additional personnel reductions for an already understaffed library staff.

If Measure ‘L’ passes, it is expected that library hours will soon resume from the present shortened operating week, to a six-day, and eventual seven-day schedule in the near future. Alarmingly, Los Angles ranks last in the country of the top eight public library systems with respect to resources for acquisitions. This too would change if Measure ‘L’ passes, as the city would be obligated to increase as a percentage of its budget, resources dedicated to library operations.

Peter Thomas Senese, a self-professed Librophiliac added after a day of calling Angelinos seeking their support for Measure ‘L’, “A book is a free ticket to anywhere in the universe and our libraries are realm transporters that can take us anywhere. It is clear that many individuals in this city do not realize the dire situation our libraries face today, but it is serious. Unquestionably, it is the responsibility of those individuals who can vote ‘Yes’ on Measure ‘L’ to do so. After all, all of us, including our children, have a right to have access to our library and all the wonderful resources and unique programming it could offer if properly funded. By saying ‘Yes’ to Measure ‘L’, what we’re really saying is ‘Yes’ to our future.”

Measure ‘L’ will not require residents or property owners to pay more taxes or fees. While the amount of funds the Library receives from the city is based on a percent of property values, Measure L will only increase the library’s share of existing city funds. Measure ‘L’ funds are subject to audits.

For More Information on Measure ‘L’, please visit www.yesonlibraries.com.