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The Public Library – A Tool for Democracy

According to Merriam Webster, a democracy is “a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.”  As I voted today I thought about how blessed I am to live in a free country and to have the privilege to have a voice in all levels of government.  I am thankful that our founding fathers had the wisdom to craft the United States Constitution as well as the foresight to allow for amendments. 

Our third president, Thomas Jefferson, said “No nation can remain both ignorant and free.”  Perhaps this is one of the most important arguments for having a quality public library.  Free access to information for everyone is one of the cornerstones of a democracy.  The information available in a public library represents various points of view, enabling the consumer to make an informed decision.

Of those things near and dear to many Americans, our freedom and the ability to have a voice in government are towards the top.  There is also pride in the “American Dream” and the possibility that one can start out with nothing and end up to be one of the wealthiest people in the world.  Andrew Carnegie, one of the most famous library philanthropists, had his own rags to riches story.  This man donated more than $56 million to building public libraries in English speaking countries in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  He did this because he believed public libraries were a tool enabling everyone to better themselves.  Today, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation provides increased access to technology in public libraries through grants.  Why?  "Because of their strong, democratic tradition of providing free access to information for all."

Obviously, my thoughts today were not new in any sense of the word!  The public library has been seen as a tool for maintaining a healthy democracy for more than 200 years.  Lady Bird Johnson is credited with many wise and witty quotes.  My favorite…”Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest.”

Library Tidbits:

• Children’s Book Week is November 14^th-20^th.  There will be a special puppet show at storytime on Nov. 16^th at 9:30 am to celebrate.  Also, our children’s librarian, Vonnie Hoskins, will be visiting many preschools during the week.
• Jacquie McTaggart will be doing a book signing for Rocking Chair Reader Family Gatherings on Dec. 1^st and 2^nd at the VFW.  The December 1^st event will be from 6:30 – 8:00 pm and the Dec 2^nd program will be from 2:00 - 4:00 pm.
• ER and the Law: Real Life Accounts is a program geared towards teens that will be held Dec. 8^th at room 101 at the Independence Center of Hawkeye Community College.  Donald Harstad, former Deputy Sheriff and author of 6 books, will speak about accounts from his days as Deputy Sheriff.  Dawn Pederson, former ER Nurse, will relay her experiences in the Emergency Room.  A joint question/answer segment, book signing by Harstad, and refreshments will wrap up the event.
• Holiday Hours are:  
  

  Christmas:                  Dec. 22nd 10 am – 4 pm                  Dec 23rd 10 am – 5 pm                  Dec 24th Closed                  Dec. 26th  10 am – 8 pm

  New Year’s:                 Dec. 29th  10 am – 4 pm                 Dec. 30th  10 am – 5 pm                 Dec. 31st Closed                 Jan. 2nd  10 am – 8 pm

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