Cutting the Library Budget Makes the Community Bleed

If you haven't been to your library recently, you probably don't know it's not just about books.

Sure, libraries still have books, magazines, and periodicals as in the "old days," but they also have large collections of music on CD, books on CD (maybe still some on tape), and movies on DVD. Most also serve downloads of audio books and eBooks from their websites. And all it takes is a library card to borrow any of these items!

Libraries have more than kept up with the changing times. Librarians today still direct folks to printed material for research, but more often to Internet resources. And they don't just use computers, they also teach folks to use them for searching, email, word processing, etc.

And did I mention that most libraries, besides providing free wireless access for those who bring their laptops, also provide dozens of well-maintained, modern, Internet-connected computers for people to use free?

Now that was just about resources. Then there's programs. Libraries have always sponsored speeches, poetry readings, book groups, concerts, movie screenings and other events. But they also run employment workshops, provide homework help, have fun activities for children, teach English as a second language classes, etc.

But don't take my word for it. Visit the website of your local library to see what's there.  Here's the website of mine, the White Plains Library: http://www.wppl.lib.ny.us/

Oh, and if you're planning to visit the library in person, maybe you'd better call ahead. With budget cuts taking effect nationwide, you may not find them open or providing the service you want when you need it.

Strong libraries build strong communities. Cutting the library budget drains the community's lifeblood. In difficult times, we can do without water in the fountain, but not without library services.