Dear Editor,
Andrew Carnegie once said “A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never-failing spring in the desert.” Those words inspire me to work hard to keep our libraries at their greatest. We have an amazing staff doing the work that should have twice the staff. The only gratification they receive is the thanks of a community who believes that the library allows us to have the greatest community we could hope for. No one is denied access. There are no private passwords or secret handshakes. It is for all levels and ages of our towns. We can choose what we wish to read and no one can stop us. Where else could a child sit and read a story to a dog that watches patiently without criticism.
Since we started our family over 60 years ago, we have had the fortune to live in nearly a dozen communities all over the county. When I took our children to the library each time we moved, they knew we were close to home wherever that might be. When family visits we always make a trip to the library for one reason or the other. Our grandchildren and now their children can’t wait to see what new books have been added since their last visit. This is pride of place – essential to any successful community.
When I consider the fact that the library is considered a non-essential service to our county, I am embarrassed by the thought that they could be in peril. What kind of community do we want to be a part of? I want to belong to one that cares about the best access for everyone to enjoy and become more. We can’t settle for “enough.” I’ve heard many people say that the library should just learn to handle their funds better and spend less. I am at a loss for that kind of mentality. It says that the poor and the less fortunate aren’t really important. It says that providing books and programs for the incarcerated is a waste of money. Good heavens people, are we really that kind of community?
Jim and Cynthia White
Colusa, CA