We need libraries more than ever
April 19-25 is National Library Week.
This is an exceedingly difficult time for our communities. This is also a tough time for libraries, as libraries have had to temporarily close our doors. We librarians pride ourselves on welcoming our communities through open library doors.
Libraries provide needed social infrastructure, connection and help shape our community interactions. Today’s libraries are so much more than books. Libraries support early children’s literacy. Libraries help narrow the achievement gap by offering summer learning opportunities to kids of all backgrounds, which is important as lower-income students are especially at risk of falling behind in math and reading when school is out.
Studies have shown that students’ academic success is related to library usage, including improved student retention and an enhanced academic experience. Public libraries provide free access to the internet for all, and many have left their wifi on at this time so it can be accessed by those in need from library parking lots. Libraries provide programs that help library users create resumes and apply for jobs.
In a world of “information overload,” “fake news” and rampant misinformation, librarians assist patrons in locating and evaluating relevant information highlighting various perspectives and points of view. Libraries connect the doers who are working to solve the problems of our day with the resources and research they need. Libraries do all of this and so much more.
Let’s not neglect libraries in this time. If you love your library, say it loud and proud! Visit your local library online to see the many creative virtual offerings, follow your library on social media, share your love for your library with friends.
Community support helps libraries secure much-needed funding and reminds hardworking library staff that their efforts are appreciated. Let’s keep our libraries strong, as we need them more than ever now!
Sonya Durney
East Waterboro
Collins should declare independence
Portraying Sen. Susan Collins as a moderate Republican, a bipartisan Republican, or a commonsense Republican defies logic. From my perspective, the modern Republican Party is not moderate, not interested in bipartisanship and hardly represents commonsense.
I think it’s time for Sen. Collins to renounce her affiliation with the Republican Party and declare her independence; her senate seat — like Senator King’s seat — would remain safe, and she would save her dwindling reputation.
She could even quote Ronald Reagan. When he was asked why he left the Democratic Party, President Reagan famously said: “I didn’t leave my party; my party left me.”
David Klausmeyer
Ellsworth
Maine’s rock
Gov. Janet Mills’ leadership has helped keep Maine’s coronavirus infection and death rates among the lowest in the nation.
All the while, she is balancing the needs of the poor and unemployed, our educational system and students, the long-term security of our financial and business systems, she’s working to keep our law enforcement, parks and fishing industries viable, and the administration of our state functioning. To do all this, she must understand that Maine needs to preserve as much of our revenue stream as possible, just like those of us who run businesses. I believe she’ll open as soon as we safely can!
Many business owners are frightened, and in my opinion, it’s causing a few to strike out at her for things she cannot control. And even then, the role she’s modeling to entrepreneurs — as well as our young future leaders — is one of steady, competent, planned, methodical, courageous perseverance, and she appears totally focused on all of her duties as she multi-tasks with humor, candor, grace, and honesty.
I am honored and thankful that Janet Mills is my governor. She has trained herself her whole life for this challenge, and right now she is Maine’s rock!
Bob Jean
Lubec
More than two Senate candidates
It is inappropriate, bordering on profane, for political candidates to spend millions of dollars on self-congratulatory TV ads when that money could be used to help Mainers in crisis.
But that’s where we’re at: the deluge of ads from Susan Collins and Sara Gideon is constant.
Now is a good time to remember that Collins and Gideon are not the only candidates vying for a seat in the United States Senate.
One candidate, Bre Kidman, has been using campaign funds to deliver groceries to elderly, disabled and immunocompromised Mainers who can’t get to the store and have no family who can help them. In doing so, Kidman is showing us what real leadership looks like.
Another candidate, Tiffany Bond, does not accept campaign money from anyone. Instead of spending money, Bond spends time providing verified information and helpful strategies to anyone who asks.
If polls were based on demonstrated leadership and integrity, I believe Kidman and Bond would be the front runners in this race.
Adrian Dowling
South Portland