In an attempt to save the Stony Stratford library, a facebook campaign encouraged library patrons to borrow their 15 book allottment and they came in droves. A member of town council, Robert Gilford, arrived too late to participate. Every shelf in the library was cleared of the 16,000 volumes they normally carry, a day ahead of schedule. If that doesn't speak volumes (pun intended) to town council, I don't know what will.
It is sad that during times of economic downturn, literacy and education seem to rise to the top of the chopping block. If anything, those are areas that should receive ultimate emphasis along with healthcare, of course. It is the literate and educated who will keep the economy going. With education comes opportunity, and employment, which begets a positive impact in the retail industry which in turn boosts the economy. Why don't politicians see it that way?
I applaud those individuals who stood up for their local library. Action speaks louder than words. Support your local library. As one man was quoted "The library is the one place where you find five-year-olds and 90-year-olds together, and it's where young people learn to be proper citizens..." So true!
