To the Editor,
Summertime is budgeting time for local governments. With all of the requests, it can be tempting to cut library budgets in favor of budgets for emergency services like fire and ambulance. That’s a false choice.
Yes, in case of the rare emergency, we need to have trained people show up with their equipment to help us. We pay taxes to meet that community need.
But every day, hundreds of us Fillmore County neighbors rely on our public libraries to help hold our communities together. That ongoing service also deserves a fair share of our taxes.
Often decision-makers who dismiss public libraries don’t rely on them if they can order whatever they want online. Many residents, however, cannot just buy any book, video, or computer whenever they want.
Last year alone, the economic benefit for Fillmore County of free access to books, periodicals, newspapers, audiobooks, E-books, movies, and CDs was $3.8 million, with usage continuing to increase.
Less tangible benefits are free access to computers for emailing, researching, applying for jobs, and filing taxes.
Youngsters enter “their” libraries, comfortable in a safe space to be curious and discover. They find books that help them practice valuable reading skills, as well as puzzles, games, and entertaining programs – all free – to exercise their thinking muscles.
During these times of heightened loneliness, libraries welcome everyone of any age to a safe, relaxed, and friendly community gathering place.
We can stop by our libraries to explore possibilities, and we can show that we value their vital service by urging our local officials to financially support public libraries for us all.
Bonita A. Underbakke
Lanesboro, Minn.