Board member voicing support

I have fond memories of my hometown’s public library. I spent many hours in the children’s section and knew exactly where to find my favorite series—the Black Stallion, the Boxcar Children, etc. And I confess I also received many overdue notices. Feeling guilty, I told myself that at least my fines helped support the library. How little I understood financial realities! As a child I had no conception that my few pennies weren’t enough to make a difference. Now that I sit on the Maryville Public Library Board, I better understand the costs associated with keeping a library running (and running well). I know that fines are a minuscule part of the budget, that state aid is decreasing, and that fundraising can only go so far. That’s why the April 4th ballot initiative is so important. Like my hometown, Maryville has a beautiful, historic library building. I love the marble façade and the majestic front steps. I am proud that our community offers the same sort of experience that meant so much to me as a child. (Actually, our library does more, as it also provides internet services and e-books.) I’m happy to see a new generation discovering a love of literature and a place of lifelong learning. And I’m saddened that, if the levy doesn’t pass, we might have to move to a smaller building with fewer resources. I urge you to support our community library on Tuesday. For ourselves, for our children, and for the adults they’ll become.

— Jenny Rytting

Maryville