The Little Library That Could

I have written more than once here in praise of various types of libraries -- public, school, university, lending, mobile, etc. -- but it can never be said too often how important libraries are for communities, for children, for an educated public, to perpetuate knowledge and stimulate thinking, for enrichment, for enjoyment, and more. A story in today’s Parade magazine (9/25/11) struck a nerve, not only because I love and visit libraries often, but also because it reminded me of how important libraries are to equity and democracy as well. The middle class and well-off can always buy books, and have their own computers and other sources of knowledge and entertainment, but the less well-off are particularly dependent on libraries. The Parade story, titled “The Little Library That Could,” describes a library in the very small town of Parker, Arizona that is “struggling to stay alive” because of budget cuts. Already hours have been cut and staff laid off. In this area where “more than 25 percent of the people live below the poverty line,” residents depend on the library’s books, computers, reading groups, story times, lectures, movies, and free health screenings. “The library binds our town together,” says one resident, who adds that “It opens up a whole new world” for the town’s kids. It is also a place for teens to go after school. Local people have stepped up to the best of their ability, donating, fundraising, and even cleaning the library themselves. It is an uphill fight to preserve and maintain such small town libraries; I wish this library -- and every other public library, especially those that serve economically deprived areas -- success in keeping this essential institution alive. (I made a small donation to the Friends of the Parker Library; if you are interested in doing so as well, go to Parade.com/library.)