I’m a big believer in the value of public libraries, but some of your readers have raised good questions about the planned Fergus Library expansion.
Isn’t the internet replacing the library? The internet offers a lot of information but only, it turns out, if you’re already a reader. In 2011, the UK National Literacy Trust found that children who do not own books read less of every kind of material, not just books. Books are the basis of literacy. And, a library can affect these results; another study shows 21% of students stated that they would read more if libraries were “better.”
$ 6 million from taxpayers? It’s true, that’s a lot of money, but I see from The Wellington Advertiser (Nov 8, 2011) that it is part of a $12 million county-wide plan for libraries. The money is already earmarked for libraries. A significant portion of it, $5 million, will go toward the Fergus Library upgrade and expansion.
With spaces for reading, gathering, and sharing ideas, expansion of the Fergus Library will make the library “better” and accessible. A well-designed, modern, welcoming library enables public access to knowledge and promotes literacy. Surely these are values worthy of investment.
Ailsa Kay – Fullwood