Vote yes for library tax

I am writing to encourage the voters of Maryville to vote “yes” for the library tax levy. There is a meme that has been circulating on Facebook for a year or so that says “Libraries—Because Not Everything on the Internet is True.” In an age of electronic information, we sometimes wonder if people even use libraries anymore. And of course they do, and more importantly, they should—precisely BECAUSE “not everything on the internet is true.”

But we should also consider the nature of our community. Maryville has grown up organically around a central core that many have been working hard to revitalize. Our public library is part of the very fabric of Maryville. Located downtown, it maintains a historic building in good repair and open to all in the community. With a wide variety of programs and activities for all ages on offer, it is a place where people want to go. It has been operating on a “bare-bones” budget that has restricted education services for too long.

Our library is a public good, a reflection of who we are, and should be an affirmative statement of what we want for our community. Please show your support on April 4 and vote yes on the library levy.

– Sincerely,

Diane Brown