LIBRARY: Worth your support

May 17 is a very important day for the eight libraries in our Community Library Network. Each library is counting on its patrons to vote to pass a levy to refurbish these wonderful community assets. The cost is very small for the value received. We spend on lattes, movie tickets, smart phones, electronic devices, and we should not forget the library. We get so much use from the library for just a few dollars a year.

I have had the opportunity to have lived in Post Falls for the past 35 years, and I have been constantly amazed at how many people come to the library every day — and it is open seven days a week! The library seems to be the heart of our community. Children’s programs include crafts, singing, dancing, drumming, puppets, gingerbread house making and many other wonderful socializing activities. Teens can take part in photography contests, open mic nights, crafts and games. Adults seem to enjoy hearing from authors and from experts on gardening, beekeeping, traveling, cooking and crafts. A Downton Abbey Tea for “Downton” fans is coming up.

Three book clubs meet monthly: non-fiction, fiction, and mixed — all for free. Various newspapers and magazines are available as well as music CDs and video DVDs. Computers are plentiful and they are always in use. Some patrons are doing serious research; others are creating resumes seeking jobs; some are playing games, and some are surfing the Web to gain more knowledge of our world.

Three quiet study rooms can be utilized as well as three meeting rooms, a fireplace area, and a reading nook area. Library members have access to all of this by simply using their free library card!

The library is a wonderful community resource, and after nine years of not asking for an extra penny from the community, it now needs to be updated. The carpets are getting worn; the paint needs to be brightened; certain areas need to be enhanced, and some new additions will be a great improvement to the building and the patrons.

I have heard people say that the library is a dying entity — no one goes there — no one reads books anymore — no one needs a library in this day and age. Well, I challenge you to stop in our library on any day of the week and see what is going on. Our library is a busy and beloved place!

And...we have a wonderful used book store on the premises with great bargains. All the money made in the bookstore goes back to the library to pay for all of the free programs it provides.

Help us stay in top condition; vote YES on May 17 for the library levy.

GLADYS KOSTY

Post Falls