|
PTC faces silent
crisis in library
Public libraries exist to make
learning available to people from the cradle to the grave. A public library
is the equalizer in our social structure because it offers the enhancement
of knowledge and information to everyone, regardless of race, religion,
creed, income or social status.
Peachtree City is faced with a silent crisis: Our library needs almost
$1 million in repairs from the roof to the foundation. At the same time,
it is at capacity with regard to technology, books and other forms of
printed information. Moreover, it needs additional floor space to accommodate
the many visitors that it serves weekday evenings and seven days a week.
Schools and adult education programs teach students to read; however,
in order to increase literacy, students of all ages need access to books
and technology to practice that ability.
The Peachtree City librarians are making every attempt to support and
develop the skills and strategies that our students need to boost achievement.
They have obtained the lists of Accelerated Reader books to support elementary
and middle school students as well as the required and preferred reading
in high school literature and content area classes.
Acquiring more books warrants adequate floor and shelf space. Students
needs room to conduct research on weekends and evenings when school media
centers are closed.
A fireplace and refreshments were suggested minor enhancements to promote
leisurely reading. Although attractive, they are not required.
What is needed are the renovations and expansion to accommodate the residents
of Peachtree City now and in the future. We cannot sit back and expect
the needs of today and tomorrow to be met with yesterday’s facilities.
Everyone knows that school test scores have an effect on the market value
of homes. Test scores are strongly influenced by the availability of reading
material at night, on weekends, and in the summer. The public library
is the intellectual mirror and scaffolding device as well as the intellectual
marketplace of the community. We cannot afford to neglect our library.
Dr. Mary Ann P. Browning
Peachtree City, Ga.
|
