LIBRARIES: Now read this

I read The Press article on Dec. 6 regarding Miss Bowman’s promotion as Hayden’s Library Manager. Congratulations Miss Bowman.

I must say that I completely agree with Craig Northrup’s choice of word when asking Miss Bowman about the library’s role in the community and the fact that, in Mr. Northrup’s own word, she “oddly” didn’t mention books.

Wouldn’t it be similarly “odd” when asking a newly promoted chief of police concerning his vision and hearing no mention of law and order and safety of the citizens or interviewing a superintendent of schools and no mention being made regarding education of children.

I have had the joy and privilege of living in North Idaho for more than 20 years and have been and continue to be a regular user of the Community Network of libraries. Over those years, I have secured many treasures in both books and videos by means of the wonderful inter-library loan program.

A few weeks ago, I was visiting the Post Falls library and was a bit horrified at the actual chaos and noise level which permeated every area of the library. This in fact is the too common atmosphere to be found in Post Falls, Hayden and Coeur d’Alene — the libraries which I frequent. I approached the front desk and asked if there was any effort or policy for maintaining silence in the library. I was informed by a very pleasant librarian that times have changed.

I fear that this young librarian was absolutely correct. Books and education, intentionally or not, have been displaced by the ever present computers at which young and old are mesmerized before as they are engrossed in video games or social media. They may be competing or chatting with the person across the table or across the state — however, everyone gets to hear real time updates on how they are doing.

While it is certainly a praiseworthy desire to provide the necessities for those in need, such as the hygiene items like toothpaste mentioned by Miss Bowman, this will never compensate nor justify the abandoning of the institution’s mission — the actual reason it came into and continues to exist.

While fresh breath and fewer cavities may result from a wider availability of toothpaste, I actually fear the greater damage done to society, to families and to children, when institutions, even under the appearance of benevolence, change their focus and abandon their responsibility.

MATTHEW BEAM

Rathdrum