homework - Libraries Closing

Read the story. Watch the video. Answer the questions.


Click HERE to watch the video. 


Story:
New York City (11/19/2010) - Most libraries across the five boroughs will be forced to close their doors an additional day each week as the city’s library system faces a $20 million budget cut. 


Eighth-grader Alexis Simmons is a frequent visitor to the Bedford-Stuyvesant library.


“I get better grades when I do my work here because there are accessories here that I don't have at home, like a dictionaries and encyclopedias,” she said.


Simons said she also uses the library's computers because she and her sister, Diamond, don't have Internet access at home. They come to the library every day it's open.


“It feels cozy and happy,” said Diamond Simmons.


The library is already closed Mondays and Sundays, and there is no big book store nearby.


There are about 240 libraries in the three independent library systems – the New York Public Library, which covers Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx; the Brooklyn Public Library; and the Queens Borough Public Library.


Elizabeth Lewis runs the literacy program for the Brooklyn libraries.


“During tough economic times, we see more people who are trying to find jobs, get help, learning how to read and write, and with English speaking skills,” said Lewis.


City Councilman Vincent Gentile of Brooklyn chairs a library subcommittee and says everyone has to share in the pain of closing the city's $3.3 billion budget gap.


“We are not suggesting that this cut not be part of the overall system. We, as a city, have to work with the libraries to minimize the impact that these cuts will have,” the councilman said.


Gentile says the council might be able to allow one library in each area to stay open the additional day the other libraries will have to be closed.


Questions:
1. Where did this story take place?
2. When did this story take place?
3. How many libraries are there in NYC?
4. How do libraries help students to get their work done?
5. Why will the libraries now have to close their doors an additional day a week?
6. How much was the budget cut?


Info from NY1