Libraries provide critical services in these difficult times

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5:00 PM Friday, October 30, 2009

Issue 40 necessary to provide basic services

I encourage everyone to vote yes for Issue 40 to support the Dayton Metro Library system. Statistics show our public libraries have become busier than ever. Since 2004, usage of the Dayton Metro Library system has increased more than 25 percent while state funding has been cut more than 30 percent.

Issue 40 will fund basic library services such as providing new books for all ages of users. It will allow the branch libraries to continue to offer important programming such as Summer Reading Club for children, after-school programs for teens, homebound service for older adults, and programs and materials for those seeking jobs and developing businesses. It will guarantee library users will still have free access to computers and the Internet.

Issue 40 will cost the owner of a $100,000 house $1.55 more a month.

The 22 branches of the Dayton Metro Library need your vote for Issue 40.

Jean Gaffney

Miamisburg

Library system is critical  in difficult times

My husband lost his job five years ago, and although our lives have changed a lot in that time, the Dayton Metro Library has been an immense support that has kept us going.

We can’t afford to eat out, but we can borrow ethnic cookbooks from the library, and make special dinners at home. We can’t afford to go to the movies or concerts, but we can borrow DVDs and CDs from the library. We can’t afford to buy books for our three children, but we can borrow them from the library and help them practice literacy skills.

When my husband decided to go back to school, he researched options at the Dayton Metro Library. I got information on how to fill out his FAFSA form, loan options and a copy of the book “Sink Reflections” to help me keep the house together.

Frankly, we can’t afford to lose our Dayton Metro Library. Vote yes to keep this vital community resource. Where else can we all share so equitably?

Rachel A. Gut

Oakwood

Support Greene County library; vote for levy renewal

A few weeks ago, I wanted to read the recent novel “Olive Kitteridge,”a Pulitzer Prize winner.

I went by computer to OhioLINK, the electronic group of 86 Ohio college and university libraries and the State Library of Ohio. They have more than 46 million books, but not this famous novel.

So I e-mailed the Greene County library. Two days later the book was waiting for me at my local library.

We need local libraries, and they need us to vote for the levy renewal. Remember, this is simply a renewal, not a new tax.

Al Denman

Yellow Springs

Services of Mary L. Cook Library more critical now

I am writing to urge people to support the Mary L. Cook Library in Waynesville. What I think is important for people to understand is that although this library is an excellent source of information in any form such as books, periodicals, DVDs and the Internet, this is only part of the resources they provide.

The library also sponsors experiences for both children and adults such as summer reading programs, visiting authors, historical presentations and art.

Everyone is aware of the economic crisis our country is facing. State funds have been drastically reduced and the library has cut back wherever it can, but this has not been enough. I am urging voters to support their levy to maintain this cornerstone of many people’s lives.

At this time, the resources they provide are more valuable to parents, children, seniors and the entire community than any other in recent history.

Liz Kromer

West Chester

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