Alone in the Car: The Public Library System

I was fortunate to grow up close to a great public library. It literally opened my mind to some amazing topics, famous people, history lessons, and authors. I discovered the Rosetta Stone in the 5th grade, Rose Greenhow in the 8th, and Broadway plays too. I am grateful we have such a resource in America.

The Columbus Metropolitan Library is one of the best in the nation. Several of the suburb libraries have also been highly rated. It is also says something about the people who support and use the libraries. They value the type of services, not just checking out books, that libraries provide. I am sure you feel the same way about your community library.

Everyone makes a big deal about diversity. Yet, public libraries have served all races, kindred, tongues, and people for ages. The public is truly welcome at a library. No matter your salary, what your house does or does not look like, who your relations are: you can still walk into a library just like anyone else.

Then for goodness sakes, pay your overdue fees! Currently, the Columbus Library has nearly $4,000,000 in fines not paid. Really? People, get with it. This is a great lasting heritage. Librarians protect your right to want to read and learn and this is how you repay them? How many of you have asked for assistance when conducting research? Are you one of the 150,532 people who owe between $1-$5 for a total of $327,000? You are not one of the 4 people who owe $400 or more are you? For Shame!

Think of how many times you visited the library as a child or take your own children now to choose books. Children love to pick out a book. Many attend story hour. And you can't even pay your fines?
And you are rationalizing this how? There are 1,009 people who owe $100 in fines. Good grief, how many books did you not return? How many children's books do you think the library could purchase with $123,526 (the amount of funds if all 1,009 people paid up)?

I thank the libraries all over Ohio for their fine work. I have been in many rural libraries and found their librarians to be earnest in their endeavors. Job seekers and small business owners can find resources right in their community libraries and librarians are trained to help each group.

Enjoy your library, both personally and professionally. And Pay Those Fines!