I just found out some disturbing news. Some towns, because of the recession are planning on closing their public Libraries.

Not
even during the Great Depression did cities and towns close their
Libraries. Times have changed, these days they are the first to close.
This saddens me greatly not only because my Mother is the director of a
library but also that officials do not see how necessary and valuable
the Library is.

I can only speak from what I have seen but here are a few examples of the importance of the Library:

-Provides
a place for young adults to study as well as interact with each other
in a social environment. The library provides arts programs, creative
writing programs, a quiet place to study, the internet, and access to
literature that may or may not be accessible to the individual based on
family income, availability of the book from the publisher, or many
other reasons.

-Provides the resources and sometimes classes for
those wanting to learn english or another language within the facility.
At my mother's Library there is man who comes in daily to use the
televisions and tapes to learn English. He is currently homeless and
trying to find a job in these tough economic times. The Library not
only provides the information he needs but also a comfortable place to
work while he learns and looks for a job.

-Libraries also
provide free entertainment for those looking for an outlet. Up to the
minute newly released DVD's, music cd's, books on tape and cd, and
playaways. Not to mention a variety of Newspapers and magazines
available to the individual without having to pay for the subscription.

-Access
to free internet allowing individuals to look for jobs, to update
resumes, and make themselves more marketable. There is free Wi-Fi for
those who have laptops.

-Interlibrary loans allow access for
people to request from other Libraries if their own Library does not
have the item in their collection.

-For those with young
children there is weekly story time for babies, toddlers, and young
children, after school, evening, and weekend story times, craft
programs, and professional performers who provide free entertainment.
And all of this is free plus heat in the winter and AC in the summer.

Libraries
today are community meeting places. Organizations of all kinds, book
conference rooms and programming rooms for monthly meetings and special
programs are available to anyone.

Some Libraries have incorporated cafes into their branches and some have gift shops run by their friends group.

The
Library is a place for all ages and all economic levels. Now, how can
you tell me they aren't important? Libraries globally are being affected
by the economic downturn. Libraries are the heart of the community.





I am currently working on creating a proposal for my mother's Library.
I am looking for artists, writers, and musicians to donate signed works
for a silent auction. If you know anyone that is interested please
contact me at katelanfoisy@gmail.com and I will forward
the information to my mother. If you are interested in supporting your
local library contact the director and ask how you can help.

Please Support your Libraries. And please repost.