Mayor Rahm Emanuel has proposed $11 million in cuts to the Chicago library system in his 2012 budget.
He says the cuts are necessary and will result in libraries being open eight less hours per week and 363 library employees being laid off. Rahm defends his budget and expresses support for libraries. He says the alternative was to close eight libraries.
The proposed cuts are very unpopular and have spawned a wave of protest from aldermen, librarians, and residents.