Our Arlington Library gives us access to large collections of books, newspapers, magazines, movies and music. It hosts book clubs, performances and art, all for our education and entertainment and all free to use. We have important reasons to support funding a new library.
Kids of all ages in this community depend on our library. Most homework now requires a computer. Our library computers are in great demand. Sometimes tutoring and other homework help is also available. Our library even considers the needs of our kids when it sets its hours of operation. Our kids need more support, not less, in order to succeed.
Our right to a free public library goes hand in hand with other rights, such as the right to a free public education and the right to vote and know that your vote will be counted.
Since 9/11, many of our freedoms have been imperiled. During that time, in some areas, public school funding and support have seriously declined. Also, nationwide, there are questions about whether our votes actually count. Wherever these trends continue, our lives as free citizens are diminished.
Our military men and women are away, fighting to defend the rights that define us as free citizens. Those include our right to free access to information and education. Now is the time to fiercely protect, not to ignore or abandon, the freedoms we still enjoy at home. Only an educated public can understand and protect its freedoms and public libraries give essential access to that life-long public education. However, like hospitals and schools, libraries, too, need public funding support.
This vote will count, and it costs very little $0.14 per $1,000 of assessed home value yearly for at most, the 20 year life of the bond. It is a small investment to ensure a thriving free public library in Arlington.
Pamela Lodefink
Arlington