LIBRARY NETWORK: Community members depend on resources

Libraries are about more than books. Libraries are community centers providing free resources for every walk of life, such as the deaf/hard of hearing community, the blind, disabled, handicapped, students, teachers, seniors, children, homeless and families of all types. It is the hub of intellectual freedom. Many of the programs offered are funded through grants, and the Friends of the Library volunteers.

Cutting programs will not have a big impact on the budget, but it will have a huge impact on the opportunities for people and families who are looking for free activities promoting learning. Children and adults who attend those programs have the opportunity to increase their vocabulary, increase their understanding of the world and broaden their interests, sparking the desire to check out books.

We have many home-schooled children. Parents depend on those programs to enhance their curriculum, as well as having the ability to socialize with other home-schooled families. If you homeschool your children, if you enjoy the activities offered at your library, if you care about preserving a free space for intellectual freedom, let the library board of trustees know you do not want them to close libraries. Let them know you want the libraries to continue providing programs. Let them know you want the ability to check out all kinds of books, that you want to have the opportunity to check-out more than just books. Make your voices be heard to preserve our libraries — one of the last bastions of free intellectual freedom. https://communitylibrary.net/board/#boardmembers

GERI HAGLER

Coeur d’Alene