Library needs your support to continue

To The Eagle:

A great American resource and bulwark of the American way of life has been withering on its branches and is now in danger of falling from the tree of liberty entirely, unless we get together and help it, now. I'm talking about your public library.

Overstating the case a bit with that dramatic intro, you might be thinking? Think again.

America is not just a place name on the world map. It is above all, about you, the story that is your life, and the billions of stories of all the people of this nation whose experiences and ideas have made this nation what it is.

We have in this country, in every community, in this town and county a great bank, a public repository, of the entire world's collective stories, experiences and history. It is your public library.

Read a good book lately? Enjoy being transported into the world of its pages? You may have shared a bit of its story with a friend who said they were going to buy it so they could read it too. Being a generous soul, you probably said “Don't worry, I'll loan it to you. Just bring it back when you're finished so I can share it with someone else”.

Therein is the spirit of your public library. It buys the first book, shares it a thousand times, and maintains it in the meantime. And not just books! Computer usage, videos, research materials, community advice, job search assistance, children's reading programs. . .all available for the cheap price of library card and cheerful volunteer assistants are there to help you.

Now help your library. Go to the county budget meeting this coming Monday November 1 at the Wahkiakum County Courthouse, 3rd floor at 3 p.m., and stand up and be counted. Tell the commissioners to reinstate the $3000 per year book purchasing budget for your library.

It's one of the best investments that can ever be made with your tax dollars for you, your children and your public library.

J.B. Bouchard

Volunteer librarian's

assistant