We, the undersigned people of Pittsburgh, believe that every neighborhood branch library plays an integral part in making our city a great place to live.

Libraries provide every citizen, regardless of income level, the chance to learn and broaden their minds.

In many struggling neighborhoods, our libraries are the only place for young people to gather and spend time in a safe and pleasant environment.

Closing neighborhood branches represents an unraveling of our citys social fabric.

As such, we are signing this petition to send a very loud and clear message to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) Board of Trustees and our city leaders telling them that:

Taking away integral neighborhood anchors is not an option

Shuttering historic buildings and letting them fall into disrepair is not an option

Funding our library system at 19th century levels is not an option

Making claims that there are no other options is not an option

CLOSING NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARIES IS NOT AN OPTION.

Our city leaders and the CLP Board of Trustees must work together to find a solution that works for every community and not just those whose libraries have been upgraded.

We, the undersigned people of Pittsburgh are telling the CLP Board of Trustees and our city leaders thatthe only option is finding the funding to keep these libraries open.

You have taken on the responsibility to lead and we expect no less from you.