It is imperative that we keep the library going strong

Dear Editor:

The Grant City Council has made the decision to cut the Hastings Memorial Library budget by 30%. I believe that it is a mistake to defund this vital community feature to the point of having to severely cut back the staff and programs we now enjoy. Such a move will set the library back several decades.

We moved to Grant approximately 30 years ago, and at the time, Hastings Memorial Library was a very basic room of books, with a librarian checking them out. Although appreciated at the time, in the years since, the library has been transformed to what it is today…a community hub that offers something for every age, from infants to senior citizens. The strides that have been made are huge, and the reach this library has is far beyond what it had in the past. It offers programs such as story hour, summer reading, book discussion groups, and community events such as the annual puzzle contest. HML partners with the school to enhance the reading experience of elementary students. It houses a Makerspace with many creative outlets such as etching, button making, 3D printing and sewing. Computers, puzzles, games, educational toys, movies and historical and genealogical information are also available at the library. Every single resident of Perkins County is welcome to partake of what the library has to offer, free of charge.

People of all ages treasure our library, for many different reasons. One is the staff, who are very dedicated to and passionate about their mission. They are always looking for new ways to reach community members with innovative programming and learning-based activities. The library is a known “safe haven” for young children, with library staff who are truly interested and invested in their well being. 

There is a definite correlation between a child’s early success in literacy and their success as an adult. I can’t think of a better investment a community can make than the education of its children. While the schools absolutely do provide quality education, the library can fill in gaps and reinforce learning taking place at school, especially with its well-attended summer reading program, which keeps students learning and improving their skills throughout their break.

Losing all that the library offers would leave a large void in our community, and would take a toll on the success of our students. I believe it is imperative that we as a community ensure that our library keeps going strong.

Sincerely,

Shari Friedel

Grant citizen / library patron / Friends of the Library member