Libraryster; enjoy it while it lasts

Hopefully you are able to reap the rewards of reading books, listening to CDs, and watching DVDs for free thanks to libraryster. If so, count your lucky stars. Apparently the people of Philadelphia aren't so lucky:

We deeply regret to inform you that without the necessary budgetary legislation by the State Legislature in Harrisburg, the City of Philadelphia will not have the funds to operate our neighborhood branch libraries, regional libraries, or the Parkway Central Library after October 2, 2009.

Specifically, the following will take effect after the close of business, October 2, 2009:

• All branch and regional library programs, including programs for children and teens, after school programs, computer classes, and programs for adults, will be cancelled
• All Parkway Central Library programs, including children programs, programs to support small businesses and job seekers, computer classes and after school programs, will be cancelled. We are exploring the possibility of relocating the Philadelphia Author Series programs to other non-library facilities.
• All library visits to schools, day care centers, senior centers and other community centers will cease.
• All community meetings at our branch and regional libraries, and the Parkway Central Library, will be cancelled.
• All GED, ABE and ESL programs held at Free Library branches will be discontinued, students should contact their teacher to see if other arrangements are being made.

Ouch! Where will the hobos go to stay warm in the winter and look at internet porn? Where will the schizophrenic go to shave his head? I shudder to think.

Speaking of which, I found a real gem this week:

Exultate Deo - Masterpieces of sacred polyphony - Westminster Cathedral Choir

Excellent old school part singing. Renaissance type polyphony, sung masterfully. Check it out, if your library is still open.