Community Treasure

It should come as no surprise to those that regularly read posts that I happen to be a strong advocate of our public library. Each year around budget time, I hope everyone implores their local elected officials to provide full support as requested by the library board, because the service provided is exceptional and, yes, critical for many people.

Recently the Morning Call had a story on Ten Treasures at local libraries (including a few references to Nazareth - read it here) and a follow-up "More Hidden Gems, again including reference to Nazareth (read it here). One tremendous item that wasn't mentioned was the online version of the "Nazareth Item" collection. The newspaper was first published in 1891 and its final issue was 1975. The online version is searchable, allowing those with relatives to learn more about their history, and for the curious you really can get a sense of what life was really like 'back then'.

On Monday, the Express-Times wrote specifically about Memorial Library of Nazareth & Vicinity (read the article here). In it, was mentioned the increased use and record number of loans despite fewer hours due to budget cuts.

Our library is not only housed in a wonderful facility, but in addition to books, there are collections, resources, internet service, story hours, craft programs, movies, audio books, and so much more.

This Saturday is the deadline for the Young Authors Contest. A program where students write and illustrate a book. The winners in each age category have their book bound and entered into the library collection, and receive a copy to keep. The past several years the Friends of the Library have funded the publication of all entries. Students are recognized for learning the art and craft of writing and illustrating a story, and they have a great time doing it.

Congratulations to all of those who work and volunteer to provide our community with an exceptional and invaluable resource. To those elected officials, please do not look at the library as a way to cut or save money, but instead make an investment in the betterment of the residents you serve and support it at the requested funding level.