Duncan Library May Cut Hours: Here's How You Can Help

We received an email this morning from a volunteer, Alana, with The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia, a nonprofit organization that matches volunteer tutors with adult literacy and English as a Second Language (ESL) students. In the City Council's proposed budget, the late hours at Duncan Library will be cut which could be hurt after-work programs the LCNV supports. Currently, Duncan Library is open late just two days a week. 

In Alana's own words: 

I have been volunteering with the Council since 2009. Right now I have one student, John, who retired from working as a technician for the Fairfax County school system and decided to learn to read. He went to public school but didn't graduate, and now he's almost an independent reader.

I tutor at Duncan Library. Because I work during the week, the only time I can use the library is during the late night hours or on weekends. We usually meet on Saturdays. The library is always busy and has gotten busier since the recession hit. It's a pretty critical resource for our students, especially those with children. The children of LCNV's students often struggle with reading and writing because their parents cannot help them, and the library's programs are really essential. 

What You Can Do

You can post comments on the budget on Alexandria City's website or you can email Councilmembers. Council has already held its Spring Public Budget Hearing, but you can still comment. The next Public Budget Hearing in on October 3.