Speak Up For The Library

To the Editor:

While on a recent trip to Arizona, some old friends mentioned that they had discovered Newtown, Conn., on an Internet site of “best places to live in America.” “Why?” they asked. How would you respond to that question? Most likely our answers would vary somewhat, but I believe our library would be included by nearly everyone.

Although the Board of Finance is acting in our interests by striving to keep taxes under control, I wonder if they have dipped below the line of reason by suggesting such drastic cuts in the Booth Library budget. Is not a town’s library a reflection of its values and culture, its self-esteem — even its heart? Expecting funds raised by volunteers (book sale) to be used to pay salaries and operating costs is not fair. Those funds have been historically directed to providing new resources that all of us can use, for our businesses, our children, our self-development, and our pleasure. Would we expect the PTA to provide funds for teachers salaries and school operating costs?

If we value this wonderful resource and the outstanding people who serve us there, we must let the Board of Finance know what we, as taxpayers, are willing to support.

Diana Johnson

26 Parmalee Hill Road, Newtown                             March 13, 2004