Libraries save lives

The main Joplin Public Library Facebook page shared Marilyn Johnson's open letter to Governor Nixon. I decided to also share this letter on my Joplin TeenLibrarian Facebook page where my friends are primarily teens, former teens, and their parents. At the bottom is a comment from a former teen about how important the library is to him.

The letter:

Open letter to the Missouri governor
Dear Governor Nixon:
It grieves me so much to hear that next year’s state budget for library services in Missouri is being cut. It is a disservice to the people of your state, and I am writing in hopes that you will find the funds to make up that difference and reconsider this cut, which would harm numerous Missouri communities. I write to you as a native of St. Louis, with family and friends across the state. I write also as the author of a book about librarians in the digital age, who have witnessed firsthand the impact of such decisions on many counties across the country— and the opposite, the tremendous advantages, economic and educational, that can come after even small investments in libraries. I have twice spoken to groups of Missouri librarians and I know many of them personally — civil servants, professionals and para-professionals who, every day, make wonderful contributions to the foundation of our civic life.
A public library is one place in a community where everyone is welcome. If you are a child or a teenager, you will have a safe and free place to pursue positive activities, to meet your friends, do homework and research for school, hear stories or take classes there. If you are an adult, you will be welcome and get help in accessing government services, applying for jobs, staying in touch with the world, and running your business. If you are a senior citizen, you can read the newspaper, get guidance on services and find discussion groups. If you don’t speak English, you are welcome and will be helped. Not everyone can afford computers and internet connections; sometimes the library is the only place where people can get online. No matter what you want or need to know, the librarians can help you find trustworthy, unbiased information, and no matter who you are, your privacy in this quest will be respected (this is so important when people have medical or legal or tax questions). Libraries anchor a neighborhood and enhance the property values of their neighbors. They are a positive place for families and a positive force in the community.
I see libraries constantly reacting to government mandates and the changing world with flexible, people-centered help. When the IRS made the transition to the digital age and no longer sent out printed tax forms, people without computers or internet access (or those who were simply confused) headed to the library to print their forms or file online. When the Affordable Care act had its confusing rollout, libraries organized information sessions and helped people figure out how it affected them. In ways large and small, idealistic and practical, our libraries support the work of our democracy. And because they provide services to everyone, not just one sector of society but all sectors, they should be supported by your state budget. This is one investment, and a modest one, that would yield dividends for all.
Respectfully yours,
Marilyn Johnson

The comment:

Very well written. Very true. Libraries should be protected. They should always get funded. Were it not for the Joplin Public Library, and it's activities and many books, I might not have been here today. There was a lot of bad stuff going on in my life back then, and the library gave me a safe haven. A place I could relax and have fun and also learn. I love the JPL and all libraries. They do good for all and should not get budget cuts when there are a bunch of other things that could be cut!