Letter: Now read this — library is free (Nov. 6)
Some people tend to forget what a terrific resource the public library can be. Not only can you stop by and check out books, you can also check out magazines, books on tape, books on CD, books in Spanish and DVDs. You can use our public computers for up to an hour a day. All for the very handsome price of … well, free.
Yes that’s right. As long as you bring everything you borrowed back by the date its due, it’s free, always has been.
From the Madera County Web site’s “Library History” page: “Madera County Library was the first California county free library under the State Library Act of 1911. It had branch libraries in operation even before the legislation was passed.” How cool is that? We were so far ahead of our time we opened before lawmakers said we could. That’s what I call going rogue.
So why aren’t people bursting through the door to use all of the wonderful facilities Madera County libraries provide? That’s the question that keeps us up at night worrying (okay, that’s overstating it a bit, but for the purposes of drama, indulge us). We lie awake and wonder why people aren’t more interested in the Madera County Library. We could understand not using the library if we were wealthy or owned a Barnes and Noble bookstore, but we’re not and we don’t. The library is free. And do you realize the closest bookstore is in Fresno?
So how can Madera County libraries help you?
Need help with a home improvement project? Chances are we can find a book that will help you. Remember, even if we can’t find the book here, we should be able to request a book from one of our neighboring branches in the San Joaquin Valley Library System. With more than 3 million books and other materials you can borrow, chances are we can find just what you’re looking for.
Need help with your homework? Our friendly reference staff is here for you. (Note to the kids: We can help, but we can’t do your homework for you. Sorry.)
Need help looking for a job? We have dozens of books on everything from what career is right for you to composing the perfect resume and our public computers can be used for everything from searching employment Web sites to typing cover letters. And the Madera County Library is the only place in Madera where you can use computers for up to an hour a day for free.
Need a DVD to entertain or educate the kids? We have those, too. (We are particularly fond of “Wall-E,” but we also have DVDs about the world’s most famous artists and nature programs, to name a couple). And did I mention that it’s all free?
Yes, it’s true. Bring the materials back in time and it’s free.
Did you know visiting the library makes you smarter? Okay, we can’t verify that statement, but think about this: When you use your library card to borrow a best seller instead of plopping down 26 bucks to buy it, you probably feel smarter, don’t you? Free is a very good price.
Garin Gonzales,
Madera County Library
The big problem is parking. The spaces are so limited and until recently the bird droppings were awful. Plus it would be nice to run the hours and days you are open since cutbacks have been made. What special is going on for children at story times? Book to art / crafts? Contests to get children reading?
Writers groups? Could something be put in the newspaper?
As a teacher I love going to the library, and taking my children; but it is sad to say too many parents don’t feel the same way.