Show support for the public library

Thursday, January 7, 2010

To the Editor:

If asked “What is at the heart of a town?” what would you be inclined to say?

Clearly, the cultural center of this community is our public library. It is a connection for all ages from toddlers to teens to working adults to retired seniors. It is a conduit from our town to any other town in the world. We are extremely fortunate to have an active, easily accessible library with resources of every description served to us by a very knowledgeable friendly staff.

Even with limited facilities and resources our library has maintained their high standard of service envied by many other libraries.

On Thursday evening, Jan. 7, the Merrimack Town Council hears the proposal to significantly decrease the budget appropriation for our library. Why? Our last tax bill did not decrease as we all know too well.

Merrimack Public Library has had several “gut-punches” in the past five or so years, like re-appropriating the “fund” set aside for a new, larger library.

Look elsewhere for more efficiency in the budget and cull out the waste.

Library appropriations for 2008-09 were less than that of the Recreation item (MYA, soccer, etc.). While children grow physically, need not their minds keep pace?

MPL supporters may want to attend the Town Council meeting Thursday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

Let Benjamin Franklin and Andrew Carnegie rest in peace; maintain our Merrimack Public Library.

ANITA LORAH HINKLE

Merrimack