HOME AGAIN!

By Joanne Peterson

The Beacon

By now, everyone knows I like libraries. My dad first took me to a public library in Yakima when I was four. I remember sitting on a long shiny wooden bench in the midst of the childrens section, turning the pages of a big picture book.

It was beyond wonderful to learn that I could take it home. That was the beginning.

Ive worked in two public libraries, thoroughly enjoying both the job I had in Edmonds as a teenager and the one I had elsewhere as an adult. Now I frequent the Edmonds Public Library as often as I can think of an excuse, just as I did as a child.

When I was a child, I remember whispering in the library. Bold signs announced Shhhhhhh to all who entered. Quiet Please was the rule.

Of course, saying Shhhhhhh to a child or a teen in a quiet place is a guarantee of snorts of laughter. I am thankful those signs have gone quite out of style and now people actually speak in libraries. And yes, sometimes they laugh out loud. Isnt that wonderful?

The Edmonds Library in the brick building on 5th Avenue North (now a museum) drew me across town from our home at 4th and Dayton every few days.

Its amazing and wonderful that children and teens still find pleasure spending time in libraries. Im certain part of the appeal comes to kids through school librarians, who teach them how to use resources and nurture in them a wholesome life-long affection for libraries and all they have to offer.

Monday, Oct. 19, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., the Edmonds City Library Board sponsors the third annual Open House at the library on east Main Street, with refreshments, book giveaways, teen activities, harp music, a childrens story, a Reading With Rover canine volunteer, special guests and more.

Please stop by. Its your library, you know.

Then on Saturday, Oct. 24, Edmonds Friends Of The Library present their annual book sale in the gym at the Frances Anderson Center, just east of the library. Its a major event. In addition, year-round, the Friends ongoing book sale provides books for inexpensive purchase at the Edmonds Library.

Clearly, Im impressed by the offerings of our library and other libraries in the Sno-Isle district. The benefits carry from one generation to the next, providing a healthy environment and great opportunities for all ages.

Which brings me to the Nov. 3 Library Levy Election. Honestly, I envision passage of the levy. Voting for it just makes sense.

If you own a $300,000 house, youll pay a little over $2 more a month. What an investment! Books, technology and workers cost precious dollars, yes. But libraries provide priceless opportunities, even more important during these tough times.

Its significant and healthy that families are turning from pricey entertainments to their public libraries. Passage of the Nov. 3 Library Levy will help all Sno-Isle libraries continue operations.

Libraries already are significantly and responsibly cutting costs for staffing, materials and equipment, but thats not enough. We must help. Vote yes!