Last week I was scrolling through my Facebook "Most Recent" postings and came across author and friend, Jonathan Maberry's, most recent post that went like this:
Do everyone a solid: write your local, state and Federal politicians to ask that they stop cutting funding to libraries! Libraries (like schools) are the heart of every community. If you don't know who to write (go ask a librarian...yeah, they know!)
First off, thanks to Jonathan for posting this. Of course, it was a polarizing post where the majority of the people were in full support of keeping libraries open - no matter the cost, while one person had a comment of (paraphrased) 'if it is taking more money than the service is giving, then maybe that locale should be closed in these tough times'.
While this could get me on an entirely different soapbox (and perhaps for another blog) regarding cuts in funding for our important services like libraries, police/fire, and schools, this got me thinking and reflecting on my past usage of libraries. The days at high school, meeting friends to do research on our science projects, book reports, and other assorted projects. Going on my own terms looking for something new to pass my time, and making friends with librarians who were always there to give you just the right thing. I grew up in Peterborough, NH, the oldest public library in the world (and free to boot!). And while I didn't realize it when i was 15, as I became wiser I came to realize what a gift that truly was.
Unfortunately I don't live in the 'borough any more. I haven't been back to that library since my family left just prior to the turn of the millennium, but I always will have fond memories of that place. The smell, the routes I took to find the books (and towards the end I didn't even need the card catalog), the people. I don't know what I would do or say if that place ever closed.
Have I been back to a library since college and actually use it for what it was meant for? Sadly no. I've not really needed to. Everything I need to find has been found via the internet... does that mean that libraries are archaic? That they can be replaced? Absolutely not! Soon enough I will start teaching my son who just turned two the ins and outs of the library. We've been blessed to have friends and family who know the value of a book and have provided us a home library of books he enjoys reading every night. He needs to know the value of the service they provide to the public. The fact that you can go in, ask for help - no questions asked (within limit), get the help you need and walk out with books free-of-charge (as long as you return them within the time limit allotted, or re-sign them out) to complete the task at hand. Want to learn a new woodworking skill? Go to the library! Need a new audiobook? Check out that building that lends them out. Want to know the best way to contact your local statesperson? Ask that volunteer who donates their time because they want to.
So, what can you do? Well, you already saw that Jonathan would like you to write your local statesperson. You can also go to your local town meetings to make sure that your taxes are going to where you want them to go. Of course, all these things have the same bottom line in common - time... now-a-days I realize that time is already at an all-time low. Many people need to have more than one job to make ends meet, let alone spending time with your family. But in these times of recession and job loss, libraries are more important than ever. They house a free place to work on your resume and cover letter with knowledgeable people who are willing to give you a helping hand, along with being able to look for a job. They are a no-cost alternative to getting books instead of buying them from a store or online (since you are already paying for an incredible service in the taxes being taken from you anyway). And while the argument on taxes are for another blog, use the services you have been given to their fullest extent.
Don't kid yourself though, that isn't the only thing in common... if libraries fail - if they are closed for a lack of funding - so goes the way of society. Is that a big jump... the failure of the library system will be the downfall of a people? For me, no, that isn't a jump, because I have come to the realization of how important a library - any library - truly is. To a child, to a young adult, to parent, to a community.
And as you reflect on the importance of what they provide, please let us know some of your fondest memories. You might have way more pros than cons, more than you realize... You be the judge. You be the jury. Do you side with the libraries... the defendant so to speak, or prosecute them... find them guilty of not deserving the funds they need to keep their doors open to further inspire the next generation? Choose wisely, friends.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment