LIBRARIES: Please don’t shutter this resource

As a returning native resident to North Idaho, 2017, I was so thrilled to discover such a vibrant wonderful community library system. After spending 30 years in a small community, Buhl, Idaho, and as a high school librarian and occasional helper for the public library, I know how valuable libraries are to small communities. We offered training classes helping senior citizens learn how to use a mouse, how to open email and how to see those valuable pictures of precious grandbabies. We also introduced students to basic computer programming. We offered a safe place for anyone who needed a safe cool/warm place to be. A kind friendly face, a clean restroom. We offered community-led book talks, cooking classes, craft and hobby classes and yes teen groups.

Losing Katie Blank is a tragedy. 

I was appalled when I read that a board member had never used a public library and had no knowledge of what they offered to the community. What business would this person have running for a community library board position? I assumed they were interested in learning. I am disheartened this does not appear to be the case. 

As a senior citizen with limited mobility and declining health, the library network has been my lifeline to hundreds of ebooks and audiobooks.  

Please don’t shutter this amazing resource. Please continue to protect it. 

SUSIE JONES

Post Falls