Library progress: Mount Olive effort is nothing short of wonderful example of determination

Who would have thought that Mount Olive would even be close to its $350,000 goal of seed money for the construction of the new Steele Memorial Library?

After all, the economy is bad -- and businesses and individuals are looking at shrinking bottom lines.

But sure enough, with determination and a can-do, let's get this done kind of gumption, the committee in charge of bringing the money in the door is more than halfway there.

And that is an accomplishment.

Of course, the cause is a good one. The plan for the new library will offer residents in southern Wayne County the chance to not only access more materials, but will also give them more space and programs.

And there is no question that a library can become the focal point of a community, bringing people together and giving them access to information they might not otherwise have been able to find.

When the committee reaches its goal of $350,000, it hopes that the project can move forward at warp speed and that soon, the dream of a new library in Mount Olive will come true.

That is where the county comes in. Leaders have made a commitment to the project, and it is one that they will see through.

And once that project is done, perhaps a similar committee could be formed here in Goldsboro, with the same intent.

There is little doubt in anyone's mind that a new library here in the city, with expanded offerings and more space for meetings and programs, would be an asset for this city and county.

And right now, it might be a better place to spend money than on a new recreation center.

Published in Editorials on July 8, 2010 10:47 AM