Libraries Will Survive (long version)

Inspired by the 1978 disco hit "I Will Survive", the lyrics were rewritten to proclaim support for libraries, particularly under the stress of tight budgets. It begins with a send-up of a typically hectic day in the life of a professional librarian.

LYRICS

When the budget was first slashed,
I was petrified
How to do my job
With my new printer denied?
Then I ran off a few more
They didn't look too wrong
The streaks are long
But we'll just have to get along

So we step back
In the library's base
Approving fewer, but better programs
Without disgrace
Should we stop inviting authors?
Should we buy condensed books?
Pretty sure that the homeschoolers
Would just give us dirty looks

Come on now, walk, in our door
Just wander around now
You are welcome to explore
Did you think we'd stop reading to your kids?
We still want them
To learn about the pyramids

We'll advise!
Alphabetize!
For as long as we have patrons
Libraries will stay alive
We've got computers spread throughout
And so much to check out
We'll survive
We will survive
Hey hey

It took lots of hard work
To stand this budget squeeze
Trying hard to mend the pieces
of your DVDs
I drove oh so many miles
Just feeling sorry for myself
We used to worry
But we'll be better in a hurry

For us a crisis
Is nothing new
Just bring these items back by
The date that they are due
Check out new releases
Wonders to behold
But I'm saving this one for the patron
Who has placed the hold

Come on now, stroll, in our door
Check us out now
Take a book down to the shore
What do you think about this whole manga craze?
All I know is they
Make some really cute displays

Come to learn!
Something new!
For as long as you want
Just go online to renew
We've got meeting space for groups
From D.A.R. to Boy Scout Troops
We'll survive
We will survive
Hey hey

So come on now, walk in our door
Find inspiration and knowledge
How-to books to ancient lore
We still think libraries are the epitome of cool
To do a job search
Or get some help with school

And now we've built
Something new!
From now into the future
Libraries will stay true
We've got a mission to uphold
Just watch our tale unfold
We'll survive
We will survive
Hey hey

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• library
• libraries
• librarians
• reading
• books
• literacy
• budget
• survive
• survival
• crrlvideo

[PhilbradleyUK]

It was a fun and interesting video, and I applaud the work that's gone into it. However, the message that I'm taking from it is that you can slash a library budget, reduce facilities, lay staff off and so on, and it won't make any difference. Clearly NOT what you want people to take from this I assume. The fact is, that with cuts, reduced services etc. libraries WON'T survive & that's the message we need to put across.

[crrlvideo]

@PhilbradleyUK Phil, you make a good point - thanks for your thoughtful comment. I was trying to strike a balance between protesting our budget cuts and highlighting our awesome staff and offerings. The star of our video deals with all of these pressures so well because she, like so many other library staff I know, loves her job and loves libraries, but I certainly do not want to give the impression that budget cuts don't have a drastic impact on what we're able to offer. (continued)

[crrlvideo]

@crrlvideo ...We have had to close our branches on Sundays, reduce book purchases, and leave staffing vacancies unfilled. Despite all of this, libraries are essential and will SURVIVE.

[librarygoddess2]

very funny cute way to start my day. Reminds me of my life.

[Recountedman]

what can we do to save the ideas of libraries, check tpihk.blogspot.com for one answer in face of the cuts that will come in under the budget cuts

[NajoTheWolf]

This song makes me want to go to the library

[branko1b]

to add to my earlier comment (@Phil) - as a librarian and, more so, as a taxpayer, i think there should be no parliamentary (politicians' in Australian terms) libraries - why would MPs or other politicians deserve better service and resources then what they allow to their community(ies)?! - if this would be so (IF) we would see the difference (and less cuts too)! i'd love to see publishing industry making fun of their norm of 8-9% growth p/a in this way - that would make my day!

[branko1b]

@PhilbradleyUK so long as here is a sense of humour survival is more likely - this is meant to be satirical or ironic (simpler: funny) - there is no wrong message conveyed at all

btw - this is a very small service for a very large area - congratulations!

we librarians can do with a bit of critical opinion , selectiveness, judgment (resources/needs/priorities ...) etc - that is our job - having 'everything' is not what we are paid for

[TheFloMedina]

I LOVE JACK!!! HAHA!! :D

[louisenicholas3]

This brought a smile to all our faces at our staff conference, Thanks. You’re doing a great job and yes! We will survive. Keep up the good work. You've inspired us to make a video of or own. Swansea. WALES

[freya1924]

We have a small library in my town; they put up a branch of city college right next door. With the students and the economy, the library is thriving. It helps folks without computers and it's a source for everything you could imagine. I used to work in the branch oh 30 odd years ago. Nice to see it still going. And nice to see this video show just how much we still REALLY need public libraries.

[ArmyOfCuteness]

This is so awesome.

:D

[ferdiazpacifico]

CONGRATULATIONS FROM ARGENTINA!!!!!