[Winona Online Democracy]
Thanks to all who have thought about the role of libraries in our civic lives.
Is it possible that a person who does not use the library will receive an indirect benefit from his or her tax support? I would venture a yes, and I see that others agree. A community with ample access to information benefits us all and is stronger for it. Children who learn to use a library when they are very young will continue to use the library as an essential resource throughout their lives.
As a citizen, I do not mind paying my taxes! Some of you might think, 'What a chump!" I don't care. I am proud to contribute to something that is larger than either myself or my family, and the library, like public education, is one of those institutions that is foremost in my list of valuable institutions. I couldn't afford to buy all of the books and magazines I read, and the library fills in that gap superbly. The staff at our Winona Public Library is first-rate, and I know that I can rely upon them for excellent service.
Now, Paul Double, as a former school board member, knowing the budget constraints and the opportunities allowed the board, how in the world would you add the Winona Public Library to its responsibilities? Libraries are a community asset, it is true, but how would you fund it? I've participated in and have watched subsequent school boards (after I left in Dec. 2000) slash $5,000,000 from its budget in the past 4 years. Do you really want to add to that bureaucracy? I just spoke with the Minnesota Speaker of the House who assures me that public education will have greater funding in the next biennium, but could we in all honesty get adequate funding for our community libraries? I doubt it. We can't even fund our school libraries adequately. Would citizens also need to register with Community Education to avail themselves of library services? In addition, aren't fees just another term for a tax? If one has multiple library cardholders in one's family, wouldn't that add up if we were to pay even $2.00 a month per card? I suppose one could consolidate to one card, but that could be complicated. I also remember the first time I had my own library card as a child--the responsibility I felt, the power! It was a good thing--a threshold to adulthood!
I believe that communities are responsible for educational opportunities for their citizens, and institutions like the library or theater productions like the Shakespeare Festival would be appropriate for the city to either administer or shepherd along their way. It's a way that we take care of ourselves, pooling resources that we, as individuals, might not be able to afford, but as a community be able to afford quite well. Just today, I received a notice from our library that a book I requested is now available for me; I didn't mind waiting 3 or 4 weeks to get it because I'm not sure it's a book I would want to purchase. If it is, I'll notify our local bookseller, Chris Livingston, pronto.
Thanks again for your thoughts. Keep thinking. Vicki Englich
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