Public Employee Press

Letters to the Editor

Keep our public libraries public, say four DC 37 local presidents
The New York Times published an article about privatizing libraries, but did not print this letter to the editor from four library union leaders.

The citizens of the United States rely on their public libraries and their staff to provide free, private and available access to information - the basic principles behind public library service. This relationship is destroyed when governments privatize their public library services.

The private corporation is focused on making a profit and will base all its actions on how much money it can make off library services, undermining the vital role of the public library in our society. Branches they determine are poor performers will be closed, devastating communities that need their public library. Collections they decide do not generate enough use will be sold, destroying valuable reference and specialized collections. Collections will be developed based on circulation, eliminating all but the best sellers.

Programs, including some of the only free, open-access adult literacy programs available, will be cut, eliminating their opportunity to learn to read, write and get ahead. Programs for teens and children could be similarly scaled back.

Patrons' private information, including home and e-mail addresses and circulation information, will be sold, violating their privacy. Public accountability of the public library will be eliminated if a private, for-profit entity takes over.

The activities of the public library are uniquely American. The underpaid, overworked library staff, who gave up wage increases in exchange for retirement benefits, provide excellent resources and services to the residents of this country. The public pays for this excellent service. When their money is given instead to a private corporation, the public's voice in running their library is eliminated.

—VALENTIN COLON
Pres., New York Public Library Guild, Local 1930

—CUTHBERT DICKINSON
Pres., Quasi-Public Employees, Local 374

—JOHN HYSLOP
Pres., Queens Library Guild, Local 1321

—EILEEN MULLER
Pres., Brooklyn Library Guild, Local 1482


What discrimination means to one member
Discrimination is not just about color - any color. It means much more than that to me. Discrimination is a fancy word that really means one human being is treating another human being as less than themselves.

Some people think they are godlike. They feel proud to bully and feel no one can touch them. They are so self-absorbed they are soulless, and a person without a soul is absolutely nothing!

—Debra Tozzi
School Aide, P.S. 130 M., Local 372


Psychologist analyzes his coverage in PEP
Associate Editor Jane LaTour's profile of Psychologist Dr. Steven Goldfinger appeared in the October-November PEP. I wasn't sure how I would respond to such a profile. I am so glad and grateful to Jane LaTour, photographer Clarence Elie-Rivera and the editor. I think you really captured what it is like to work with addiction, the importance of teamwork, the struggles of the patients, the social issues and stigma, etc. I think your team did a great job. My son, who is seven, saw it on a chair and was impressed by the article too.

—DR. STEVEN GOLDFINGER
Psychologist, Local 1189


Against Afghan war
I recently saw the November Public Employee Press and was impressed at your excellent coverage of the escalating war in Afghanistan and its impact on your members. I know that past PEP articles have also covered the ongoing occupation in Iraq and its impact on women, Iraqi trade unionists and DC 37 members who have been deployed there. This is exemplary coverage in the best traditions of labor journalism.

This is the sort of labor reportage that is sorely needed throughout the labor movement! Keep up the great work.

—MICHAEL EISENSCHER
National Coordinator, U.S. Labor Against the War