The south suburban library that would’ve closed at the end of this month due to money woes has received limited funds to stay open and hopes a fundraiser scheduled for Saturday at the library will help keep the doors from shutting for good.
The south suburban library that would’ve closed at the end of this month due to money woes has received limited funds to stay open and hopes a fundraiser scheduled for Saturday at the library will help keep the doors from shutting for good. The cash-strapped William Leonard Public Library in south suburban Robbins needs about $70,000 to keep its doors unlocked past the end of August, said the library’s director Priscilla Coatney. Coatney made a plea for help from the federal government and U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, D-1st, stepped in and secured funds from the Metropolitan Library System. The library will receive $10,000 by the end of the month, another $10,000 payment in September and the remaining $5,500 in October. “The local library is the life blood of the community, and it connects all generations,” Rush said. After hearing of the institution’s plight, a northwest suburban library offered assistance. The Skokie Public Library will donate funds from its used-book sale, according to the president of the Skokie Library Board, Diana Hunter. “Everyone is welcome, and no donation is too small for us to accept,” said Coatney. The fundraiser will be held at 5 p.m. at the library, 13820 Central Park in Robbins. ______ Copyright 2009 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.