Thursday, April 25, 2024 | St. Lawrence County, NY
To the Editor: NCTW just had an opinion page with the question, “How often do you use your local library?” I was dismayed that 46.9% of the public who answered the poll said “Never.” However, …
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To the Editor:
NCTW just had an opinion page with the question, “How often do you use your local library?” I was dismayed that 46.9% of the public who answered the poll said “Never.” However, given the national polarization these days, the 53.1% of frequent to occasional library patrons in our community seems huge.
Yes, the public library is supported by tax dollars, but so is your fire department, police department, public schools, village parks, and your public water supply. Just because you own a gun doesn’t mean that you don’t sometimes need the protection of the police. Just because you have a hose and a faucet at your home, doesn’t mean you never need the fire department.
There have been libraries since ancient times, but libraries have not always been public libraries, supported by a community for all of its citizens or community visitors. Yes, you can borrow any book for free, but libraries are so much more.
A public library provides a safe, quiet, and comfortable indoor space open to all community members or visitors. A public library is a place where many forms of information are available to our community for free. Having free access to information is essential to the workings of a democratic society.
This information is not just books and magazines anymore. It includes computer access to the world wide web, old and recent films on DVD, music, and more.
Local public libraries also have community programs to promote literacy as storytime for preschoolers, courses in computer literacy for seniors, ESL services for those trying to master English, and always that quiet comfortable space where you can sit down, read a newspaper, check the emails on your phone or just daydream.
It is true that the Potsdam Public library has been closed for a year. Covid was responsible for this. However, our library had also raised funds to completely renovate its interior this year to provide an even more beautiful public space for all. The Potsdam Public Library will reopen this summer. Come in and check it out.
Sandra A. McCloy,
Potsdam Library Board Member and
proud carrier of a public library card since 1952
