Community, library need each other

Opinion

Discussion

September 22, 2012

Community, library need each other

Anonymous The Union-Recorder The Union-Recorder Sat Sep 22, 2012, 08:00 AM EDT

MILLEDGEVILLE — For more than three decades, the annual library fair has served as a fundraiser for the Twin Lakes Library System and its efforts to provide for the local community.

Thousands of used books will be available for purchase later today, as will baked goods and other items with all of the proceeds going toward the library’s vacation reading program, which serves local youth and adults through the summer months. The Twin Lakes Library System reaches readers of all ages throughout Baldwin County, serving as a research for books and materials and technology through computer training courses.

We often don’t stop day to day to think about what a valuable resource our local libraries provide — glimpses into the past through their archives, glances at other regions of the world, as well as a leisurely escape through reading and entertainment. It is true that we often don’t think of what our libraries provide — until their value is grossly affected. In recent years, the local library system, like many other entities that rely on state funding, has been hit with budget cuts and reduced funding. We saw just this week how these types of tough decisions can play out on the state level as public access to Georgia’s historical archives were placed in peril due to cost-saving measures. It was only through public outcry that access was saved when Gov. Nathan Deal announced Thursday that the archives will be fully funded. It took nearly losing the state’s archives as a valuable resource for our history and information for Georgians to recognize their importance. Although their funding has been tremendously impacted due to state cuts, our local libraries remain intact, a fact that should not go unnoticed by the local community. We mustn’t wait until their value is jeopardized before we show our support. Today’s library fair, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. downtown at Mary Vinson Memorial Library, is a great way to lend that necessary support.

As local library outreach coordinator Sarah Hamil said earlier this week, the event “is also a chance for us to give thanks to the community. Without the public, this library would not survive.”

Our local libraries do need us in order to survive, and this community certainly needs them.

Text Only

Opinion

EDITORIAL: Seizure of AP phone records insult to independent press
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.

May 18, 2013
EDITORIAL: Community forum a chance to weigh in on litter issue
Ever passed by unsightly litter along the roadways and thought, someone should do something about it?

May 15, 2013
Joint meeting should not be isolated event
City and county government officials will break bread later today during a joint meeting held downtown in the Allen's Market building.

April 10, 2013
William Clayton obit, March 22, 2013
Mr. William "Buck" Clayton, 74, of Sparta, Ga., passed away March 20, 2013, at The Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon.

March 22, 2013
Informed, engaged public vital to process
The Baldwin County Commission conducted its second work session Thursday evening, a move the board made in an effort to stay abreast of operations and meeting agenda items and to further the level of transparency in county government.

March 4, 2013
EDITORIAL: Residents should brush up on new ad valorem tax changes
A new law takes effect in Georgia next week that may impact how some locals and residents statewide pay ad valorem taxes.

February 25, 2013
County work sessions would be a nod toward dialogue, transparency
Baldwin County Commissioners are exploring the idea of holding work sessions regularly, in similar fashion as the local school board and city council.

January 23, 2013
Literacy fair presents opportunity
Later this month the local community will play host to its first-ever literacy fair, highlighting literacy initiatives and family development opportunities in a consolidated event.

January 15, 2013
Marker dedication keeps Boddie High legacy alive
Carrying with them found memories of their high school days, alumni of J.F. Boddie High recently gathered with community leaders to pay homage to their alma mater.

January 6, 2013
Community must support domestic violence resources
Milledgeville was rocked on Christmas Eve morning of reports of a shooting that claimed two lives.

December 30, 2012
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Discussion

Community, library need each other

Site Map

Contact Us