Save the Libraries!

The group descended on LeFrak Library with a turbulent unorganized chant...
"Open our libraries!" and "We want to read!" Children and seniors roared.
It was a brisk yet powerfully bright afternoon, somehow cool and hot at the same time. We marched from Saint Paul's Church, which is just three blocks away, to the epicenter of our cause- Lefrak Library. We were letting the community know that they were in danger of losing a silent savior of the community. With city budget cuts running rapid the NYC Public Libraries were on the chopping blocks, more specifically- Queens Public Libraries.
In the last fiscal year Queens public Libraries received a $25.9 million budget cut!
"Not on our watch!" The group leader declared.
Twenty-four community libraries will be closed five days a week and average weekly hours of service will be cut to 25 hours a week. Which is a drop of 50% less operation hours per library. I knew budget cuts were becoming an issue because my mother-who has worked for the Queens Public Library for over a year now is at risk of losing her job. I didn't think much of it because everyone I know seems to be at risk of losing their job, but when I saw the flyer about this march while walking to my local super market I knew it was a more pressing issue than just one woman losing a job. The flyer stated that LeFrak Library has discontinued Saturday hours and that it would be only the beginning in budget cuts and eventually branches being closed.
If branches start getting closed the most effected by it would be seniors and children. It is a safe haven for knowledge and a home away from home. It serves as a surrogate babysitter for parents offering after school programs and various educational workshops as well as a place to connect and use a computer if you don't have access to one at home. As I said earlier the majority of the marchers were seniors and children. Kids from the local Girlscouts and Boyscouts made up most of the group- which makes perfect sense. Who else will be effected more? If children have no positive place to learn and study if they cannot do it at home, where will they learn and study? We are in the digital age where most research is done by Google but actual books and the Dewey Decimal System still prevail when it comes to a research paper.
"Si se puede!" They erupted as the speeches were translated into Spanish.
Local elected officials and hope-to-be elected officials were there to show support. They had some words of encouragement to offer, but I wonder how much are their words worth in the face a $25.9 million budget cut. One official promised $50,000 to the Queens Libraries. That is chump change. It will get some more books, and maybe a few computers. One has to wonder why is it that the most diverse borough in NYC is getting the blunt of the budget cuts? But there is no need to get melancholy about disingenuous politicians or the distribution of funding to certain communities. Lets leave off on a positive note. I think this last quote sums up the protest and the very reason for organizing a protest.

"There is no need in pointing fingers at others, we must point our fingers at ourselves!"

What can you do to help?
- Go to your public library
- Take out a book, which will increase the circulation of materials at the branch
- Fill out your census so we have a voice (Queens has a 54% return rate)
- Take part in the Buy A Book Program and donate books you would like to see at the library

Electron Habits

I've allowed myself to mentally bleep out the
curses I have cast on myself
to dodge the barrage of inner
audio, misuse, negative abuse
of the world defined as-
electron habits; negatively charged
leaving charred remains of an optimistic
brain.

Presumptous Calm

I breathe in the smoke and my
lungs jitter with an ease of comfort

what comes forth is the will of the
the calm passing winds, passing time

until I close these eyes which hide
behind corrective comfort and subside and

subsist in the crimson prisms the
presumptuous lisp, a crisp taste of calm

Whiplash

Cold rush o' steam on your face
that settles after the sun sets.

Breathe in the crisp dreams of tomorrow
them cicadas of our imagination.

Warm as it bubbles down your throat,
sensations of a past not quite edible.

NaPoReMo

Okay I know i'm a little late but better late than never right.
#1

Sunlight fissures emanate from the windows
A cool breeze bounces from ear to ear


Half past tired and the moon is waning
Feet done-numb, hips a blazing


Soul's metronome tone in sequence to the night
Heart beats tick an everlasting bachata