Dear Editor,
Arkansas public libraries offer free Wi-Fi, job hunting help, homework support, digital access, and lifelong learning. Libraries host community events, writers workshops, GED classes, book clubs, and children's story hours, and audiobooks and books, books, and books.
This week is National Library Week, and how is Arkansas celebrating? Senator Dan Sullivan is proposing a bill, SB 536, to the legislature this week to "TO ABOLISH AND TRANSFER THE ARKANSAS STATE LIBRARY AND THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY".
Yes, I agree. This is an emergency!
Should this bill pass, the funding for our local rural libraries will be cut at a minimum by 20%, and the abolishment of the State Library board which now enables libraries to operate effectively and efficiently, in part due to the following services provided by the Arkansas State Library. They provide guidance in navigating the E-rate application process, so we can provide high-speed internet, which is available 24/7 for community use. Distributing State Aid and assisting with E-rate are just 2 examples of how the State Library helps us serve our libraries and our community. There are so many more. Again, why abolish a system that works well?
What will actually happen to the State Library's staff, resources, and services and our access to them in this proposed reorganization? Will our rural community and library be harmed by this? These are a lot of unknowns when what currently exists is known and works well.
I served as a public school elementary librarian and a teacher for 33 years. I watched as libraries and books and research changed students lives, enabling them to grow and develop their minds. The research lessons I taught helped students discern facts from fiction. The books I read to them and the discussions we had widened and deepened their understanding of places they'd never seen.
The library is a window to the world available to every child and adult, a free service that enables the student who can't afford to buy a book or a computer a way to keep learning. It is the heart of America.
Will you please let your Arkansas State Representative know you value your local library and your child's school library and the State library that enables them to function efficiently? Ask them to remember and honor Ben Franklin who started one of the first libraies, and Andrew Carnegie who built public libraries across America, several of which still serve in Arkansas communities.
It's National Library Week. What will you do to celebrate?
Sincerely,
Marti Olesen, MLS
Ponca, Arkansas
