Concord, NH Library Now An Endangered Species
A recent article in the Concord Monitor makes it clear that officials have been discussing the possibility of doing away with the City Library. This past winter, it was a warm haven for the homeless of our community who could be seen snoozing comfortably in some of the chairs. In some instances, the library is a drop off point for parents who do not want to pay a babysitter.
In spite of these two problems, the library estimates foot traffic per month at about 19,500 people. Counting close to 20,000 library users per month tells me that Concord residents like to read and enjoy the resources at the library for research and for Internet use. Many folks are not in a position to own their own home computer.
I hate to say this, but we are raising a bunch of dummies. In one instance, a young person stood muttering to herself because the computer went down during a transaction in a store. She could not figure out that if the purchase was 98 cents, the customer would receive two cents back from a dollar bill. I am not exaggerating!
Therefore, it is refreshing to think of all of these people and their children who are seeking out learning and books. According to the law, the library and the recreation department are the only two discretionary spending areas in the budget. A $3.3 million dollar shortfall is expected, yet property taxes continue to be pretty hefty!
I have no answers because I am not in charge of policy, or government spending. All I have is a “voice.” With that, I want to speak up to say that the Concord Library means a lot to many people, including us. It is foolish talk to discuss getting rid of it. New England is the home of the “free library” idea.
The library seems like the least service that should be available. How do we balance the budget? How about cutting some of the “frew-frew” money spent on Education in our schools?
I can do more math in my head than a student can do, with or without a computer. I learned how to add and subtract with a piece of paper and a pencil, the old way. I am just not sure why we are settling for less quality in Education and spending more and more, all the time. That is my opinion, not that anyone asked. My (tongue in cheek) suggestion is that everyone take up quilting and learn math the practical way.
This situation totally reminds me of the book, 1984. It seems like “government speak” when people don’t really say what they mean. In my humble opinion, this whole discussion seems to be leading up to another case of stick it to the taxpayer with more fees. The verdict is NOT in, and neither is “Lucy” of Charlie Brown fame, with her “5 cents for psychiatric help” sign. A lot of readers will be needing a therapist, should the library be removed from our midst.
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
