To the editor:
I write today in earnest in support of our town’s library. I realize we are currently facing budget struggles, but that is often the case as any parent or “head of household” will tell you. However, we have a responsibility to keep our library (fully) open to offer the materials needed for early and lifelong learning. In the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, “Free libraries are the cradle of democracy.” Honestly, there is no doubt in my mind as to the truth in that ideal. Also, consider Albert Einstein’s words when he declared, “The only thing that you absolutely need to know is the location of the library.”
Everyone has a hill that they would die on; that hill for me is access. The access to decent housing, education equality and clean water are things we often think of when questions of access arise. Here, access refers to books, periodicals, computer usage, tax help, community events just to name a few. These services and the assistance of knowledgeable librarians is critical. Libraries hold not only the books with language and stories that “map” our young brains and feed developed ones but also offer a quiet haven to those young and old.
We need only to think back to our favorite stories to remember how fundamental libraries are to culture. I can immediately recall “Nancy Drew” mysteries or later “The Bluest Eye.” These stories informed my sensibilities and imagination in countless ways.
For my sons, I think of how they devoured each “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book. We see ourselves in stories and gather the words to tell our own.
Our library has been modernized to offer workspaces for those who work remotely, students, teachers, writers, as well as access to thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, videos, movies and courses through its digital catalogues. A teen room welcomes teens into a generous study space. The Carten Gallery is an enhanced art space, offering patrons to view local artists’ work whenever they like.
In case you have not visited our gem of a library lately, the Children’s Room calendar is filled with story time and music programming, crafts and STEM challenges, all free, all cherished. The adult calendar features lectures, book club, tax help, writers’ group, access to one of a kind historical Marblehead documents, photographs and maps.
The library now offers an extraordinary delivery program designed to make library materials accessible to Marblehead patrons who are unable to get to the library. This ensures the sick and homebound an invaluable connection.
In my own experience, I have found the library to be a budget help. I cannot count the savings I have realized, not only in borrowing instead of buying books for myself and my children, but also savings in museum admissions, foregoing pricey digital subscriptions and more.
Over and above all that, library staff are willing to assist with research and finding resources. This help is priceless when one needs answers be it for a school paper, job search or legal question.
So, with all that said, friends and neighbors, remember access. Our community should stand in unison to keep our library thriving. Einstein insists on it.
Yours in lifelong learning,
Erin Coleman
Curtis Street
