Libraries

A city's library says something about the city: its priorities and its aspirations for itself and its citizens.

I am a regular libary-goer. I go to the library every week or two with my children and we all spend a little time browsing and picking out books for the next couple of weeks. Come to think of it, I probably go to my library more regularly than I do my church, but that's another story!

I love our new library. It's spacious, attractive, and a pleasure to spend time in. I voted for the bond to pay for it and I'm glad I did.

That said, I'm less than thrilled with the book selection, especially for children and "young adults" (i.e. teens). The choices are few, especially for the teens, and many of the books are noticeably tired and worn. It's not uncommon to find pages missing, lots of writing on the pages, covers grimy and worn.

Now I have nothing against old books. Some of my best friends are old books. But I want my kids to read and to love reading. And I know they are more likely to pick up and enjoy a book that looks appealing (and to be honest, so am I). A book that doesn't look like something their grandmother read. A book that looks like it was written (or at least printed) in their lifetime. My daughter and her friends are spending loads of money at Books A Million buying books and trading them back and forth because our library doesn't have the books that interest them. My son borrows books from his teacher's personal library (thanks Ms. Gleason!) because the PTC library doesn't carry them. Why does my son's 7th grade teacher have numerous books her students love to read, but our local library doesn't?

As an avid library-goer, I've visited lots of libraries. PTC prides itself on its great schools, as a great place to raise a family, as "having it all." Yet it is sorely lacking in the book department.

This is no criticism of the libary staff. They are cheerful, helpful, and do an awesome job with what they have. And this is not a request for more funding. I have no idea what the library's budget is or whether they spend it wisely. It's simply an observation that a library's holdings speak volumes about the people who frequent it, their values, and their aspirations. The PTC library's holdings do not speak well for PTC.

Library II

Submitted by Sailon on Sat, 06/10/2006 - 5:55pm.

When the bond for the library was up for passage it was stated that all of the money was being spent for bricks and mortar and salaries and not near enough for books. The pushers of the bond were afraid if they put in enough money to fully stock the place they couldn't get it passed. Jobs and buildings have always been more important than books. Books could be read in a tent! By the way there is a private general bookstore in Peachtree City that you should consider for some of those big dollars you are spending at Books-A-Million. They served PTC well before the chains decided to try and run them out.

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Under Budget

Submitted by PTC Guy on Sat, 06/10/2006 - 6:42pm.

It was reported the Library came in under budget.

Also, at a Council meeting, the Library staff requested a 5 year, I believe it was, increase in funding per year. $50,000.00 was often used.

Sure, we need a library. But WHY did PTC have to go it alone instead of as a County effort where costs would be distributed over a larger population of users? I never quite understood that issue.

And yep, Omega Books is a nice store owned by a nice couple.

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Keeping it real and to the core of the issue, not the peripherals.

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