Raging Grannies sing support for the library April 17

Eugene’s own Raging Grannies will be singing outside the downtown library at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, hoping their voices are loud enough to be heard by city of Eugene staff members in their offices across 10th Avenue.

Known for clever lyrics issuing calls to action, thanking leaders for actions they support, and remembering victims of racism, the Raging Grannies can be found singing throughout the city to ensure their aging voices are heard.

Their latest concern: the Eugene Public Library. After the city cut the library budget last year by 15%, or $4 million, supporters are deeply concerned that city staff will again target the library.

“The city of Eugene has a multi-million-dollar shortfall, and it needs to balance the biennial budget. We are raising our voices that the library’s budget should not be cut yet again,” shares Linda Ague, one of the Raging Grannies.

Although the library only represents 3% of the city’s budget, last year it absorbed 16% of the city’s total cuts. Despite employing only 6% of city staff, the library sustained 31% of all city staff cuts.

“Library services are essential services for Eugene residents: from providing access to the internet, to providing a refuge from wildfire smoke, to early education programming that teaches our youngest community members to read,” Linda said.

Eugene Raging Grannies, a member of Raging Grannies International, promotes peace, justice, social and economic equality through song and humor.