Ann Bennett asks, "Have you thought about how the loss of revenue to the library might affect you personally?"

Letter: Public library is an Algoma treasure. (Green Bay Press Gazette, 3/18/2011)

Excerpt:    Our library is going to be affected by state and federal budget cuts. When shared revenue cuts are passed along to our city, or grant funding sources are cut, hard decisions and budget cuts will have to be made.

Have you thought about how the loss of revenue to the library might affect you personally? Think about the trained, knowledgeable and professional staff members willing to go the extra mile to serve you. How about the evening and weekend hours, which allow you to utilize your library after a long day at work? Do you utilize the inter-loan system, placing books and movies on hold?

Maybe you go to the library to use the computers or take advantage of the free wireless. Think about the programming, including the movies, book discussion groups and story hours.

Maybe you are a parent who relies on knowing the library is a safe (and free) place for your children after school or on early release days. Do you do your genealogy research, homework or job searches at the library? Maybe the library is a source of entertainment for your family in these tough economic times, when you cannot afford to go to the theater to see movies, or buy books, DVDs or CDs.

Our library enriches our lives.