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What if our public libraries ceased to exist? How would that effect our lives? Libraries are a crucial part of our communities. Without public libraries, people who don’t have a computer would not have access to the internet. If you walk into your local library, you would see that internet access is important to many folks. The computers are almost always in use. Our libraries have summer reading programs that encourage reading all year, even when schools are not in session. Many public libraries provide other resources besides information. For example, libraries allow people to check out toys and then return them when their child outgrows them. Libraries may have seeds to check out, encouraging gardening. Libraries host reading events with authors, host book clubs and provide meeting places for organizations. All this and more in addition to thousands of books for people to read, do research and read newspapers and magazines from around the country. Libraries save people the cost of subscribing to publications that libraries offer free of charge. Libraries are a vital part of our communal life and deserve our support and protection from rash, unwise financial cuts.

Barbara Finley-Shea
Austin