By Maria Simmons
Columnist

The High Bridge branch of the New York Public Library was closed on Friday June 1 for approximately two to three years for renovations.  On April 30, Community Board 4 held an open forum to discuss community concerns. One of the concerns raised was that the students would have no other library services or alternate places to study.  Board chairperson D. Lee Ezell responded that something would be put into place and that the community would soon be informed of an emergency meeting on the issue. 

The library was closed with an inadequate plan in place for our children. This is a direct slap in the face to Highbridge:  We were promised something would be done to compensate for the closing of the library, but it appears the only thing that has been done is that the door of opportunity has been closed for our children. Again.

How did we allow this to happen?  How did this community, along with the community board— who is supposed to be representing our needs and concerns— allow the children to have nowhere to go after school to do their homework, book reports, research papers and all of the other activities and opportunities that the library afforded these youngsters?

My understanding is the community board is supposed to represent its constituents. At the  Board 4  General meeting held at PS 11 on May 22, library representatives gave a presentation that amounted to virtually nothing but a cry about finances.  This community is not interested in hearing about budget cuts, and we are being reasonable enough when we expect that when  arrangements were made to close the library for renovations , plans should have been made at the same time for an alternate location.

When the representatives from the library were asked about an alternate location they replied that they have never heard of such a thing being done. Well, maybe the branch in their community is closed as well, preventing them from doing their research. Because right here in the Bronx, when library branches closed in Morrisania and Norwood, arrangements were made for an alternate location.

What are we here in Highbridge—chopped liver?

On another note, when I heard of the closing I began efforts to mobilize the community. I spoke to everyone that passed by my side and I am sorry to say that we did not get the kind of response that this very important matter deserved.

Parents: these are our children!  Wake up!   As parents, we want to be able to at least say that we stood up and demanded better for our children. We want to at least demonstrate that we have a conscience.