For the past six years, I’ve been trying to convince my town board to fund our public library’s total operations budget: $11,900. When I started asking, the board gave us $4,000. Last year, the board gave $8,000. This spring, discussion seemed to suggest that a few board members were ready to fund the entire package. I attended two two-hour meetings with facts, statistics, and quotations from patrons.
I participated in a point/counterpoint article in our town’s weekly newspaper to explain the reasons why the library is a good investment for the town.
What follows is the article. Next time, I’ll share what happened at the third two-hour meeting.
Contrary to the opinions of a few, libraries are not dying. The Institute of Museum and Library Services found a circulation increase of 2.46 billion materials in 2010. A 2013 study by the Pew Research Center found that 94% of people polled say libraries improve the quality of life in a community.
Here are some reasons why:
The public library is the great equalizer for all races, economic levels, ages. Everyone is welcome.
The public library is a gathering place for information, resources, services, and opportunities to socialize.
Patrons request books from all Johnston County Libraries to be delivered to Princeton. Free.
Patrons borrow e-books. Free.
Patrons research job opportunities, type resumes, and apply for jobs on-line. Free.
Patrons research colleges, fill out applications, and apply for colleges. Free.
Patrons read newspapers and magazines. Free.
During the past ten years, the Princeton Public Library has offered the following:
Free programs:
Computer lessons
Sign Language lessons
Mahjong lessons
Jewelry lessons
Writing Classes
Line Dancing
Library events:
Author readings and book signings
Antiques Evenings
Fashion Shows
Children’s Story Time
National Knit/Crochet Out
Book clubs
In an informal poll of my own, people shared reasons why libraries are important:
*People who use libraries make better informed citizens; therefore, communities with active, accessible libraries make better communities.
*Local history is stored at public libraries.
*Small businesses prosper because of available library resources.
*People have access to a variety of books and enrich their lives.
*The healthy library is the sign that knowledge is readily available in the community.
*It promotes literacy and supports teachers and homeschoolers.
*The library is the door to the world; everyone’s invited.
With the present reality–show mentality permeating our society, we need to cling to proven options that yield positive results. We need public libraries.
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