Thursday, September 16, 2010

Terri Gerner: Government succeeds with libraries, parks


Link to Gerner's September 16 column in the Appleton Post-Crescent. (Thanks to Mike Cross for the catch.)

Excerpt: The public libraries offer unlimited information and education to anyone. Our city and county parks enable each of us the privilege of spending time in the great outdoors, along with providing a variety of free recreational activities.

I consider these two systems to be the great "equalizers" of America — all citizens have free and equal access to them.

Through the public library system, anyone can attain a master's level of knowledge on the subject of their choice. We have access to centuries of information and knowledge, along with being able to access up-to-the-minute local, national and international information.

Over the years, many libraries have worked hard to offer more services like movies, music, books on tape and Internet services. One library I visited years ago even offered pieces of art you could check out and hang on your wall for up to one month. Many libraries bring in speakers on current subjects of interest, along with providing programming for children of all ages.

The resources our public libraries offer are quite impressive
.

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