In praise of libraries
Our county libraries are seeking a levy on May 4th - Issue 12. I almost missed a meeting to consider endorsement of the levy; I'm glad that I didn't. Typically, at these meetings of our Chamber of Commerce's Government Affairs Committee we hear representatives of schools or other organizations talk about their need for funds. They review budgets, talk through plans for the money and then we dismiss them while we discuss the issue.
This meeting was different. Barry Riley, the President of the county library board, walked us through the drop in state library funding. One important statistic: State library funding hovered at around $455 million between 2002 and 2008. In 2009 it dropped to $370 million - a nearly 19 percent single-year drop. Government works hard to fund the bad results of society; it often neglects the positive influences. So we will look at more local funding of our library system. He explained important decisions made by the library board and took our questions, responding directly and completely.
But then, Escol Curl, the Chairman of Library Campaign, spent some time reminding us what libraries are all about. In advance of the levy campaign he had visited all the area libraries and talked with staff and volunteers. He spoke of the critical role libraries continue to play in our community - as resources, as community centers, as safe havens for study. And as he spoke, I thought about my own relationship with libraries.
I started to think about the libraries I had known. I thought about the books I had discovered at the library; the newspapers and magazines I had read; the hours I spent studying at our local library and, later, at my college library. I thought about the trips that I made to the library even today with my children.
I thought about the mystique of the library. The quiet: When we walk into the library, my kids instinctively look at each other and put their finger to their lips to tell each other to be quiet. Libby has the loudest whisper known to man but she always whispers in the library. The smells - the intermingling of aging book pages, ink, wood polish and. . .library. As a kid, the first thing I noticed upon entering the library was the smell. Even before the quiet, the smell brought out the library mode in me.
Even the location of things in the library are significant. Today, my children know that downstairs is the treasure trove for them - Dr. Seuss, Robert McCloskey, Beverly Cleary, seasonal books on display. They wander up and down the aisles picking selections that we will read in the evenings.
Upstairs is where we go before leaving so Dad can get some books. Today, we go to look at and borrow books, but in high school, we studied at the library, four to six of us after school at a large table, communicating through notes slipped back and forth (the precursor to texting?). We used the microfilm machine to look at old newspapers. We learned how to request older magazines from the "stacks" that were kept in the basement. We paid a dime per copy when we were researching a paper. We learned that the library was more than a utility. It was magical. It held wisdom for us.
In college, the library was essential to study. At the library you could procure a strategic location in the evening and work late reading, writing, thinking, preparing. The library was a secure retreat. It remains so today, as Curl and Riley explained. Kids from all backgrounds can go to the library after school and find a safe, quiet place to work.
I forget who said: "If you were to know how a man treats his wife and children, see how he treats his books." But the same holds true for society. If we want to know how we treat each other, look at how we treat our libraries.
I totally agree with you. I am very disappointed that some conservatives do not agree with the value of libraries--Rush Limbaugh in particular has been dismissive of the need for government to fund libraries in the internet era. In an era of reality TV (and talk radio!), we need libraries and museums (especially history museums) more than ever. Such institutions make up the modern day "town square" where people can learn and challenge their thinking in a respectful and positive environment. Good luck!
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Thanks, Bob.
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Kurt, thank you for this post - I agree with every word.
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Joanna - you are very welcome. Can you relocate and vote within the next couple of weeks?
Kurt
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Generally, I support the library without question. When they needed the new building, no problem. The problem with this levy is timing.
Some may not have noticed, but there is over 11% unemployment and a huge foreclosure rate in Licking County. I don't want to do anything that would up anyone's property taxes at this time. The library is different though. It is a resource to solve the problem and from what I've seen, they are trying. They are not promoting it in their mailings to ask for support though.
The standard promotion of, "It only cost one Happy Meal a week.", or whatever else is decided to use as a comparison is demeaning to those scrambling to come up with funds to save their home. They should be focusing on telling people how the library can be used in their job search efforts. For example, if you are an expert with Widget machines, you can go to the library and find enough information to find every company using Widget machines in the state. Some folks do not know that this type of information is there. Show them how the library can correct their situation and save or make them money and there will be much more support, even with the "no new taxes no matter what crowd".
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Mark - What I have grown weary of is the push to make essential services go up for popular levy votes while the more objectionable government programs are tucked away in massive budget bills. If many of the pet projects of our elected leaders were put to popular vote they would be soundly rejected. I have a plan for solving that problem too. . .I'll roll it out in the fall when the current slate of officials are up for re-election.
As for the library, I consider it an essential part of our infrastructure and I could go without a few Happy Meals.
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Ironically, funding has been cut to libraries while usage is rocketing up. It's a fact that during recessions, people turn to libraries as a resource. For those out of work, it's a place to learn how to write/produce resumes, classes in career training, support materials for employment. For those families caught in the squeeze, it's a place where you can pick up books, DVDs, and audiotapes - and all you need is a free library card.
It's almost counterintuitive that in the age of the internet, people would seek out the library. Yet I've never seen any of the 8 computers empty at the library I use. Surprise - not everyone has a computer or knows how to use one!
It's a shame that when funds need to be found, it's usually done by cutting these types of services. But the quality of life in our communities is so dependent on these resources. And if you doubt it, just head down to one, day or evening, and see how it's being used.
The costs - comparatively - are pennies. The benefits are priceless.
After all, the Kindle doesn't do anything for the "human" network!
- Jeff
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Jeff - You are right. The computers are used by people searching for jobs. The library is and ought to always be a community resource.
Kurt
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Kurt, I would love to... However it may be easier said than done.
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Aw, c'mon, Joanna. I've been contemplating a brilliant bloggers convention here in good ole' Newark. You make the list. We'll just transfer your citizenship and get that extra vote while you attend one of the many social affairs - my conventions are all social affairs.
Have a great week.
Kurt
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Kurt,
I'm glad you included a photo of your home library.
Michael
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Michael - The day will come. . .mark my words.
Kurt
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Love the pix too. E.
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