Learning place: Community libraries are vital as county moves forward

Let's be honest. There is not a government anywhere -- except, it seems, in Washington -- that is not dealing with the realities of shrinking budgets.

So, it makes sense to pay attention to how much things cost.

But the decision to move forward on the Mount Olive Library project is really one that should have been made months ago.

Primarily because the new facility is a good idea and because there is a need.

But also because the county promised the community -- and its members backed up their own support for the project by raising hundreds of thousands of dollars during an economic slowdown.

There is this odd idea that places like libraries are luxuries. That when the budget is tight, you should jettison those plans first.

And that is a mistake.

Libraries are community gathering places and offer resources to anyone who wants to walk through the doors.

They are places of learning and sharing, and they partner well with schools as both try to make education a priority.

There are many other places we could spend money, but this is one that has a positive impact on this county -- and also is important as we try to position ourselves as a place for development and new jobs.

That's why now is not the time to scrimp.

Published in Editorials on April 12, 2013 10:43 AM