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Self-interest should not dictate vote for library facility
letter to the editor
“Kids, grab your library books!”
That phrase used to be used at least every two weeks while my kids were younger, and more often during the summer school vacations. Our family has always frequented the public library. Now we have a chance in Louisburg to move forward to a new, expanded library built on land purchased by the library board several years ago near the post office.
While it is true that the economy seems rather aromatic right now, is there ever really a time that taxpayers get enthused about raising taxes for amenities? Some of you are probably wondering why you would vote for this new library building, especially if you are not already a regular library visitor. What does the library have to offer you?
The new library will offer research capabilities far beyond what we can do at home, even if we have Internet access. Our new library will offer multiple internet stations, plus a reference section, magazines and other reference materials. And the library’s professional staff eagerly assists patrons in their research.
If you just love to read, consider the expanded shelf space for additional volumes. Each time my family checks out a book instead of purchasing one, we save money. The new library will have an expanded section of films and how-to DVDs available, and for those of us who travel or drive in to the city to work, an even greater number of CD books so we can ‘read’ as we drive.
The Louisburg Library has a reputation in Miami County for offering outstanding programming for kids and adults, such as children’s stories, video and card game tournaments, teen lock-ins, visits from authors, Native American historians and even Lewis and Clark. These programs have been accomplished in a cramped, overcrowded facility. They will expand in a new library with adequate space, meeting rooms and ample computers.
Some have asked why not just rent out space in a vacant storefront? As anyone ever involved in remodeling a building intended for something else knows, remodeling can get very expensive and inefficient. And then what would we have? A cobbled-together storefront that might make do for the time being, but for how long?
Interest rates are low right now, and the bond, shared by all of us, doesn’t hit any one pocket too hard. The property which the library currently owns stands close to many residential developments, including two new ones limited to those over 55 years old. The site also sits near all schools, the swimming pool, and it’s not on a highway, but is near one.
Self-interest did not stop us from building schools and renovating our athletic complex. The voters considered what was good for the community, not just whether we had kids in school or attended athletic events. Let’s consider what works for our community as a whole again, what will be good for Louisburg now and in the future, what, along with quality schools will make us a first class community. Whether you are a regular library user or have never set foot inside the door, this bond issue works for our community and will work for us and our children and our grandchildren and Louisburgians yet unborn.
Jack Kline
Louisburg
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That phrase used to be used at least every two weeks while my kids were younger, and more often during the summer school vacations. Our family has always frequented the public library. Now we have a chance in Louisburg to move forward to a new, expanded library built on land purchased by the library board several years ago near the post office.
While it is true that the economy seems rather aromatic right now, is there ever really a time that taxpayers get enthused about raising taxes for amenities? Some of you are probably wondering why you would vote for this new library building, especially if you are not already a regular library visitor. What does the library have to offer you?
The new library will offer research capabilities far beyond what we can do at home, even if we have Internet access. Our new library will offer multiple internet stations, plus a reference section, magazines and other reference materials. And the library’s professional staff eagerly assists patrons in their research.
If you just love to read, consider the expanded shelf space for additional volumes. Each time my family checks out a book instead of purchasing one, we save money. The new library will have an expanded section of films and how-to DVDs available, and for those of us who travel or drive in to the city to work, an even greater number of CD books so we can ‘read’ as we drive.
The Louisburg Library has a reputation in Miami County for offering outstanding programming for kids and adults, such as children’s stories, video and card game tournaments, teen lock-ins, visits from authors, Native American historians and even Lewis and Clark. These programs have been accomplished in a cramped, overcrowded facility. They will expand in a new library with adequate space, meeting rooms and ample computers.
Some have asked why not just rent out space in a vacant storefront? As anyone ever involved in remodeling a building intended for something else knows, remodeling can get very expensive and inefficient. And then what would we have? A cobbled-together storefront that might make do for the time being, but for how long?
Interest rates are low right now, and the bond, shared by all of us, doesn’t hit any one pocket too hard. The property which the library currently owns stands close to many residential developments, including two new ones limited to those over 55 years old. The site also sits near all schools, the swimming pool, and it’s not on a highway, but is near one.
Self-interest did not stop us from building schools and renovating our athletic complex. The voters considered what was good for the community, not just whether we had kids in school or attended athletic events. Let’s consider what works for our community as a whole again, what will be good for Louisburg now and in the future, what, along with quality schools will make us a first class community. Whether you are a regular library user or have never set foot inside the door, this bond issue works for our community and will work for us and our children and our grandchildren and Louisburgians yet unborn.
Jack Kline
Louisburg