Defend libraries

Please defend our libraries! Citizens having free access to printed material is a fundamental tool of democracy. Our founders knew we could only remain a democratic republic if the people get the information they need to make decisions that are best for them about how they wanted to be governed. Our books also shape our culture and our realtionships with each other by expanding our knowledge of and interest in others who may not live in our neighborhoods. Books can increase acceptance and lower fear and suspicion.

The Internet can’t do everything. Libriarians are better than a search engine. They can guide us to books that contain knowledge that is outside the box for us. I have often been steered to a book that I really needed to read and wouldn’t have thought of reading on my own.

Life without libraries is unimaginable. It would be like life without churches or schools or community gatherings or national holidays; in other words, they are essential to our way of life in America.

All my life I have had a library to go to. Please keep them around for my grandchildren and their children for the next 7 generations and beyond.

Sincerely,

Nancy McCollum

Sisters, OR