THE LIBRARY MAKES US A BETTER COMMUNITY

It is ironic that Citizens Library is in danger of closing its doors because the Washington and Trinity school districts may not provide their yearly stipend.  The school districts are already under water from the State budget.  This is like asking Social Security to save Medicare, or the City Mission to bail out public housing.

Whether the library closes or not, the fact we are having the discussion is pathetic.  Libraries are essential institutions in a democratic society because they play a non-partisan role in providing the information that allows all of our citizens, including the less fortunate, to make informed decisions.  Citizens Library is the heart of the sick entity known as the City of Washington.  Turn out the lights and the old lady sputters and maybe dies.

Washington County is experiencing an economic revival like few places in our country.  If the County government, private enterprise and our more affluent citizens cannot come up with $50,000.00, there is something wrong with our priorities.