What Does My Public Library Mean To Me?
by Melinda Beel
age 44, Smyrna

I love my public library; it means a lot to me and to my family.  I have three children and they all signed up for their own library cards as soon as they could write their first and last names! We probably go to the library at least once a week and it is something we look forward to doing.

Why do we enjoy the library?  Well, for one thing (and this is important), it is free! Whether we check out a book, an audiotape/CD, or videotape/DVD we are not charged. We do not end up having to keep books that we didn’t enjoy or will not look at a second time. Our library is right on top of new releases, too.  When the last Harry Potter book came out the wait list was really short.

I admit to paying quite a few late fines; but, I have never been charged for a fine that I disputed.  Jimmy and the staff at Smyrna library bend over backwards to search for books or missing CDs that I am sure I returned.  Sometimes I’m right-but sometimes they’re right.  However, they have always been friendly and very professional during the process.  Right now the library is partnering with the local food bank to substitute the donation of canned food for late fees!  How nice is that?

When my children were small we went to Story Time for stories, crafts, puppets, and other fun activities.  Before we went on-line, the library filled that internet access need. Now that the kids are older we are exploring the free Homework Helpline and Adaptive Technology that is offered.  I am so impressed that a community library system is able to offer so much for the non-typical reader, too!

Our library offers writer’s clubs, enthusiastic summer reading programs, computer classes, and occasional guest authors as speakers.  I think the library is a very community-oriented place and offer services that everybody is invited to use.

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