I enjoyed Froma Harrop’s article “Why we still need public libraries” in Tuesday’s Dispatch. As she says in her article, I fall into the group of older Americans that “miss the starchy grandeur of the old library experience.” I have been a patron of the Columbus/Lowndes County Public Library since I was 6 years old. I remember getting my first library card from the venerable, intelligent and elegant Chebie Bateman, who worked her entire life developing our library.
I admit I have been dismayed by the changes I see at the library. There seem to be a lot of computers and fewer books, but by serving on the library board of trustees, I have come to understand that what Ms. Harrop is describing is exactly what relevant libraries need to be and what our library is.
Furthermore, I am proud to report that Erin Busbea, the library’s executive director, and her staff are working every day to “create a new nostalgia” for our own public library which, in my opinion, is the cultural and educational centerpiece of Columbus and Lowndes County.
I urge all your readers to visit the library frequently. I implore our mayor, city council and board of supervisors to fully fund the library. It truly has something helpful for every individual person in our community.
Eulalie H. Davis
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.