My parents get to do something I dream of: they read three to four books per week. They go to the library at least once a week, and have as long as I’ve been around. They were worried when leaving Cleveland for Dayton- having become accustomed to what they thought was an excellent library system.
They’ve found a better one. They’ve been amazed at how good our system is, for books, movies, reservations, inter-library loans and the quality of service.
Right now, with tough economic times, the importance of the library system is even greater than normal. Job seekers are using the computers to find work and to learn new skills. Our kids need access to books, to places to do research- and not just the kind you can do on Google. Libraries are critical to an informed and educated electorate which is the foundation of a democracy.
If we let our libraries fail, we won’t be seeing them come back. It’s not an option. The Dayton Metro library system is well managed and relatively efficient. State cuts have hurt them deeply. It’s up to you and me to do our part- vote yes on issue 40.
The fact that you’re reading this, says you value the values of the written word. Do the right thing.
I think the right thing to do would be to donate money to the library. Not cast a vote forcing other people at gunpoint to give to the library.
When you consider the right thing to do is the utilization of force to seize peoples property, when does the right thing to do stop and start? Or, as long as the majority feels this way, it is ok to subdue the minority?
Did you donate to the library, Robert?
David, the short answer is no. The long answer is yes with taxes and personally I attempted to donate about 30-40 books when I moved and they declined.
The more important question would probably be: “Would you donate to support a library if they were not already supported by your tax dollars?”.
I doubt that I would come to think of it.