I have been to a number of libraries in my life and have never felt as comfortable and at home as I have at our own Mary L. Cook library. I remember when I first moved to Harveysburg and was looking for a library. I even recall walking in with my daughter, then two years old, and being welcomed by smiling faces as I entered the library. These women got me set up to check out books right away and even asked me about my daughter. I was told by Ms. Kathy about the wonderful story times that the library had and then I looked at what they had in terms of programs. From reading groups to what I found to be a wonderful summer children's program, I was hooked. I made a point to go as often as possible to the library and ended up offering my time to help with story times and to do puppet shows for the children who attended these story times.
I was taught at a young age that it was important to give back to your community and as a teacher, I knew which way I could give back. I offered to do more and more story times and was happy as can be! I teach high school English and loved to spend time with these wonderful children who attended story times regularly. As a teacher, I know the importance of reading, I realize that in order for my daughter to learn, she must read every day. Thanks to my involvement with the library, the warmth of the staff and the patrons who attended story times that I led or attended, I truly feel blessed. My daughter, Heather, is now six and a half and she was so funny when she first started kindergarten. I remember last year when she came home from school to tell me, "Mom! We went to the school library today! They told us how to check out books and take care of them. I knew that already!" Of course, this was the same child who squealed with joy over receiving books for her second birthday.
So, I know the importance of COMMUNITY, I realize that I can't teach Heather everything myself no matter how good a teacher I might be. I need others to help expose her to new books, new ideas, crafts, amazing events and so much more.
I sit here typing this and have to laugh at the different events we have attended at the library. From llamas on the lawn to taking part in milking a goat, I can truly say that the library is the center of our fun. I look at Heather, now a first grader, and have Ms. Kathy, Ms. Sheila and so many other of the wonderful librarians to thank. My daughter feels so comfortable in Mary L. Cook and she has such a love for books that I am truly amazed and blessed. Thank you Mary L. Cook for my experiences and may I do my part to help you now.
The library needs us all to do our part to help her keep her doors open. On the ballot in November, there will be a $1 mil levy to help with the many expenses the library incurs. Mary L. Cook has never needed a levy until now. The total cost for a normal person like you or me would be minimal. For every 100,000 you home is worth, it would cost you merely $30.62 a year. This is less than a drink from a pop machine a week! I will gladly pay that amount to have access to this great library. We all are faced with tough times right now, but I will forgo at least one or two pizzas a year to ensure that I can go to the library and show my daughter the many worlds she can find within books. So, until tomorrow, I ask you---have you visited Mary L. Cook library lately? If not, visit her. She is waiting with open arms.
Blog writer: Jen Martin
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