Hundreds of librarians protested outside the Gerard Behar Public Library in Jerusalem today, warning that public libraries all over the country are in danger of being closed for lack of funding. Some of the signs at the rally read: \"Youth have stopped reading books,\" and \"Instead of encouraging reading, the country is nurturing a generation of ignoramuses.\" MK Naomi Chazan (Meretz) told the crowd that she will propose legislation requiring the government to pay for half the libraries\' maintenance costs.
Background: The current Public Library Law was passed in 1978, requiring the government to help out the libraries with an unspecified sum. Arutz-7\'s Benny Toker reports that at the time, there were 71 libraries in Israel, and the government in fact paid half the budgetary costs. There are now 1,200 libraries, however, and the government pays only 7% of their costs. About half the libraries are now in danger of being closed, as the municipalities do not have the money to help them. Although some libraries have begun charging monthly fees, this is not a solution for many parents. \"In these days of tension,\" says Dr. Orah Neventzal, Chairperson of the Public Libraries Council, \"it is important that as many people as possible, especially in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza, be afforded the opportunity to turn to books as a calming influence.\"
Background: The current Public Library Law was passed in 1978, requiring the government to help out the libraries with an unspecified sum. Arutz-7\'s Benny Toker reports that at the time, there were 71 libraries in Israel, and the government in fact paid half the budgetary costs. There are now 1,200 libraries, however, and the government pays only 7% of their costs. About half the libraries are now in danger of being closed, as the municipalities do not have the money to help them. Although some libraries have begun charging monthly fees, this is not a solution for many parents. \"In these days of tension,\" says Dr. Orah Neventzal, Chairperson of the Public Libraries Council, \"it is important that as many people as possible, especially in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza, be afforded the opportunity to turn to books as a calming influence.\"