PHILADELPHIA(KYW Newsradio) — The Free Library of Philadelphia is putting a $13 million cash infusion from the city's fiscal year 2023 budget to good use. Officials say Philly's public libraries are healthy and vibrant on this side of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Since November, we've hired over 100 new employees to start working at the library. Even today, we're onboarding about 30 new employees," said Veronica Britto, interim chief of neighborhood libraries for the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Libraries play a critical role in the economic vitality of communities in Philadelphia, by providing Internet access, technology, literacy skills, jobs, and support for job seekers and small businesses. Britto says the staff, equipment and support are needed to do that successfully.
The library is looking to fill a total of 300 new full- and part-time positions, and Saturday hours are now consistent at 10 neighborhood locations — for the first time in three years. The library also received an additional $13.4 million for capital and technological enhancements, which was secured via a midyear budget transfer ordinance in City Council.
Britto says the success of the Free Library is equal to the success of Philadelphia, and it still needs support from the community.
"Libraries provide the opportunity for young people to find books, to find places to go to get off the street, to feel safe and secure, to learn about the world and learn about themselves," she said.
"If you don't have a library card, please come sign up for a library card. And if you didn't know, you could sign up online … you can get a virtual card. And you can use that to borrow books, to watch films, and to take free courses," Britto said.
Teens looking for summer jobs are welcome to apply. The library partners with Philadelphia Youth Network to offer jobs to teenagers over the summer.
