“Upward mobility through the mechanism of a good education, which is a widely held value in this country that cuts across the political spectrum, is in serious jeopardy.”
Author: Lisa Gieskes
Libraries + Technology =Helping the Poor
“Most (people) think that homeless people are all criminals, on drugs, alcoholics. They think we don’t try to get out of homelessness and that we aren’t successful at anything. Some (homeless people) have college degrees and because of the economy got laid off.”—AnnMarie Walsh
“When Walsh found herself homeless, she used the computers in Chicago’s public libraries to not only look for ways of getting out of her situation but also to share thoughts and worries about her day-to-day struggle, such as finding [a] hostel bed for the night. As her following grew, she began to receive tips on shelters or even gifts of warm clothes and blankets.”
Walsh will speak at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library on Jan. 29,2012.
Here's What The Wall Street Protesters Are So Angry About…
Source: Business Insider
Zuccotti Park raid wipes out Occupy Wall Street library
Over 5,000 books were seized when police cleared Occupy Wall Streeters from Zuccotti Park. To counter that move, protesters created OccupyEducated, an online reading list central to the movement.
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
The United Nations General Assembly, by resolution 47/196, designated this day to the awareness and eradication of poverty and destitution in all countries.
This year’s theme is “From Poverty to Sustainability:People at the Centre of Inclusive Development.”
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#OccupyWallStreet – Did you know?
There has been little media coverage of the mass protest on Wall Street. Started by the New York City General Assembly, the movement works for economic justice.
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Trying to win the war on poverty
Boston’s new anti-poverty program is producing positive results. It’s called Family Independence Initiative, or FII, a non-profit that started in San Francisco. “What we’re trying to do, is to say, ‘For the last 60 years, there’s been a war on poverty, and things have only gotten worse,’” Jesus Gerena, head of the Boston FII office, said. “So what can we do different and what did people do prior to be able to get people out, and help them to get out?”
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Community Building at Burlington Public Library
Burlington Public Library builds community by hosting Help Me, Help Someone, a support and networking group for people facing difficulties.
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Libraries add laptops to serve poor areas
“Six Milwaukee public libraries have brought in 240 laptop computers to improve Internet access in poor neighborhoods.”
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Free food at the library
St. Paul public libraries are providing free lunches this summer. This is the first time the libraries have served free lunches. Librarians saw the need for the service after so many children were showing up hungry.
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